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The spirit of entrepreneurship continues to grow at the University. On 19 November 2025, the University took part in the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) celebration when its Technology Transfer Office (TTO), and the Economic Activation Office (EAO), in collaboration with eThekwini Municipality and the University of California Riverside (UCR), hosted a GEW celebration.  The GEW is an international initiative that inspires individuals to explore their potential as innovators and business leaders. MUT’s GEW celebration aimed to promote an entrepreneurial mindset among students and staff; provide exposure to industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and innovation partners; strengthen MUT’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through local and international collaboration; offer a structured platform for student entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas; and highlight opportunities within the agricultural economy through real-world agribusiness experiences. Ntombifuthi Mthembu, Coordinator of Student Entrepreneurship at MUT, and Lecturer in the Department of Human Resources, said the Global Entrepreneurship Week aligns with MUT’s

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) hosted its inaugural Scholarship of Engagement (SoE) Conference from 18 to 20 November 2025, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and societal impact. Themed “Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Advancing the Scholarship of Engagement for Maximum Societal Impact,” the event brought together academics and community stakeholders to reimagine the role of universities in addressing real-world challenges. MUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, said the conference provided a crucial platform to reflect on, interrogate, and advance the integration of scholarship and community engagement within the mission of our university. Taking a dig at the ‘ivory tower’ notion, Professor Sibiya said that “universities today occupy a strategic position in society as hubs of convergence. They are centres of learning and research, as well as catalysts for social transformation, spaces where knowledge from multiple disciplines intersects to address complex societal challenges.” Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, the Director

On 17 November 2025, the Department of Community Extension pulled off a massive feat; hosted some leading organisations in the field of Agriculture. The department’s Professor Xolile Mkhize said the objective of the workshop was to bring together key partners to strengthen fresh-produce market access, clarify agent regulations for local farmers, and explore student entrepreneurial opportunities in collaboration with the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC), the National Department of Agriculture and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). Professor Mkhize said that the initiative forms part of their broader programme-development efforts to align the curriculum with national priorities for agricultural transformation and to support the upscaling of the extension profession in its contribution to food systems transformation. Professor Mkhize said the meeting was their engagement with national and provincial Departments of Agriculture to strengthen district-level coordination within extension and advisory services. She added that Advanced Diploma students from

The Department of Biomedical Sciences, on 17 November 2025, hosted its annual Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Student Presentation Day, a capstone event celebrating the professional growth and academic achievements of its third-year students. The annual event is a forerunner of the research that the students will conduct in future. It is meant to introduce them to research principles at that level and how to present research findings.  Senior Lecturer in the department, Rajendrie Govender, said the WIL programme is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to integrate their university-acquired knowledge with the hands-on realities of a professional laboratory environment. “A key objective is to immerse students in the culture, expectations, and conduct of a practising laboratory professional,” said Govender. The Presentation Day was the culmination of an “intensive period” during which the students do a comprehensive six-month rotation within the department’s partner network of private

Like many vibrant radio stations across the country, MUT Radio is proudly taking part in the tradition of celebrating the ‘Song of the Year’. Programmes Manager, Awethu Kelese said for the past four years, they have called it exactly that “Song of the Year” just like everyone else. “But this year, we are switching things up. We are excited to announce the newly revamped Summer Song of the Year 2025 Competition,” Kelese said. “The fresh twist brings a whole new mood and energy to our listeners, capturing the essence of summer, the festive spirit, and the bright, warm sound of the season,” he continued. As always, MUT Radio is calling on staff, students, and the public to vote for their  favourite hit from our top five Summer Songs: Song A: Ciza ft Jazzworks & Thukuthela – Isaka; Song B: Alex Warren – Ordinary; Song C: uMafikizolo – Uyoncengwa Unyoko; Song

The end of the year is usually seen by most people as the time to start winding down and physically and mentally prepare for the festive season break. At MUT, this is not the case. This is the time when most divisions in the Institution are busier than usual. An event that took place from 18 to 20 November 2025 was one of those busy times. This event was the inaugural Scholarship of Engagement Conference, organised by the University’s CEAD. Opening the conference that was themed: “Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Advancing the Scholarship of Engagement for Maximum Societal Impact,” the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, said the conference provided a crucial platform to reflect on, interrogate, and advance the integration of scholarship and community engagement “within the mission of our university. Today, universities occupy a strategic position in society as hubs of convergence. They are not just

One of the key highlights during the Scholarship of Engagement Conference on 18 November 2025 was the address by Professor Joseph Francis from the University of Venda, who underscored the importance of fairness and reciprocity in academic-community partnerships. In his presentation, “Closing the Knowledge Gap: Harnessing the Scholarship of Engagement as a Strategic Vehicle for Inclusive Community Empowerment,” Professor Francis called for a shift from traditional, top-down approaches to collaborative models in which communities and universities share power, knowledge, and decision-making. He illustrated this principle through the metaphor of the baobab tree, a space where every voice is heard and respected. “Academics must listen more, observe more, and speak less,” he emphasised, advocating for co-created solutions that reflect mutual benefit and tangible societal impact. Professor Francis defined the Scholarship of Engagement as the integration of academic expertise with real-world challenges, ensuring that teaching, research, and service are developed with communities

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi delivered a compelling address that resonated deeply with universities attending the Scholarship of Engagement Conference on 19 November 2025, hosted by MUT’s Community Engagement Directorate.  Professor Mpedi called for a shift toward equity, community connection, and the recognition of excellence in all its diverse forms. His speech reflected not only institutional introspection but an urgent appeal to reimagine the purpose of universities in South Africa. Professor Mpedi began by acknowledging that he was present because he had listened closely when he attended the inaugural address of the MUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, in November 2024.  Professor Mpedi said that it was essential for all in a sector to hear one another if it hopes to move forward collectively. In his moving speech, Professor Mpedi tackled a long-standing criticism head-on: the perception of universities as “ivory towers.” This characterisation, he argued,

The Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE), Dr Anette Mienie, has praised the CEAD for the way it organised the inaugural Scholarship of Engagement conference, which took place off campus from 18 to 20 November 2025. Dr Mienie, who is well known in the Institution for driving research, called the conference a “beautiful initiative. The conference was not only well organised, but relevant and professional.  You have truly done MUT proud”, said Dr Mienie. Writing to Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, Director of CEAD, which organised the conference, Dr Mienie said this “must turn into one of the MUT flagship conferences, being the first in the RIE portfolio”. Dr Mienie said that was the first time CEAD organised the event, but it was exceptionally organised, for the printed material, to presentations, and the food, everything was beautifully done, said Dr Mienie. “Everything went smoothly. The feel was that it was

Sometimes, at the end of conferences or summits, the vote of thanks is usually given to a person who may not really understand the pains and what would have happened behind the scenes, for the conference, event, summit, etc. to succeed. On 19 November 2025, at the gala dinner for the Scholarship of Engagement Conference, Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, Director of the CEAD that organised the conference, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks that left the room hushed and deeply touched, showing why graciousness is widely respected. Her words were not simply acknowledgements; they reflected a leader whose character is shaped by gratitude, community, and a sincere desire to do better. Professor Nkonki-Mandleni’s message carried the calm assurance of someone who understands that transformation is never a solo act. Many faith traditions view gratitude as a sacred discipline, an act of honouring those who walk with you on the journey. Professor