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Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is celebrating a significant milestone in its journey toward global excellence as three staff members were selected for the prestigious DAAD-DIES National Multiplication Trainings (NMT) Fellowship Programme. Ayanda Blose and Sthembile Maphumulo-Ndlovu, both Schools’ Liaison Officers, along with Dr Melvin Mothoa, Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships Coordinator at the Research directorate, have been accepted into the specialised training programme: “Building Bridges: Developing Internationalisation Skills for Professional Staff in Universities.” The initiative is a collaborative effort between Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and MUT. Operating under the DAAD-DIES (Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies) banner, the programme focuses on empowering historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) to build sustainable internationalisation frameworks. Unlike traditional academic fellowships, this programme recognises that administrative and professional staff are the “engine room” of global engagement. It provides practical tools to manage international partnerships, enhance student mobility, and boost institutional competitiveness on the world stage.

In a significant move toward fostering a healthier campus environment, the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Clinic has launched a collaborative healthcare initiative with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (eThekwini District). This partnership, running from 16–20 February 2026, aligns directly with the University’s newly unveiled Strategic Plan 2026–2030. A core pillar of this plan is the commitment to providing an “enabling environment” for both staff and students, recognising that academic success is inextricably linked to physical and mental well-being. The week-long activation focuses on high-impact preventative care and immediate health interventions. The Clinic’s Sister Khanyisile Gasa emphasised that the collaboration is designed to bring critical services directly to the student population. The comprehensive suite of services currently available includes HIV Testing, encouraging regular status checks in a supportive environment; contraceptives, which include the distribution of condoms; and TB Screening and testing. This is vital for maintaining public health within high-density

For many students at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the path to a degree is paved with more than just academic challenges; it is often a battle against necessity. On 23 February 2026, the University will take a decisive step to ensure that hunger does not hinder that journey, as it prepares to issue the first round of food parcels for the new academic year. The distribution will take place at the campus pantry, located near the iconic Seme Hall, a site where hundreds of students will soon gather to receive essential nutritional support. The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are students who fall outside the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) safety net. Without government funding to cover daily living expenses, these students often face the “silent crisis” of food insecurity. At the heart of the operation is a face well-known to the campus community: Bhekumuzi Mtshali. As a

While September may seem distant, the Department of Marketing and Communications is already in high gear, initiating unusually early planning for its annual Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC). The decision stems from the ambition to deliver a uniquely packed and interactive programme for the 2026 event. In a strategic two-day lekgotla that concluded on 18 February 2026, the department collaborated with Sandile Mahlaba of Microsoft to explore innovative ways to frame the conference. The central theme of the discussion was the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate the event beyond its traditional format. Mahlaba detailed how AI, once regarded as an “enemy,” could be harnessed to enhance the entire conference experience. He emphasised a fundamental shift in the event’s structure, advising that the 2026 programme should be delegate-centric. “The delegates are at the centre; they must be the ones who should deliver, not the presenters,” Mahlaba stated. He proposed a

Inspiration struck swiftly for MUT Radio Programmes Manager, Awethu Kelese, who immediately put new skills into practice after an empowering session with a Microsoft AI expert. Participating in a two-day strategic lekgotla with the Department of Marketing and Communications on 17-18 February 2026, Kelese was so impressed by the potential of Artificial Intelligence that he created a complete, AI-generated talk show script during the workshop. The session was led by Sandile Mahlaba, an AI expert from Microsoft, who demonstrated how the technology could be used to streamline plans and processes. As Mahlaba presented, Kelese was simultaneously exploring the tools on his computer. “I just put a show script of a talk show that we are still planning,” Kelese explained. He was amazed by the results after stepping out to listen to the AI-generated audio. “It sounded like two people that I’ve never met just conversing about the content that was

In a powerful demonstration of collective responsibility, the renowned humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has officially replenished the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) student pantry. The donation ensures that the university’s most vulnerable students will have access to essential nutrition as the new academic season intensifies. The replenishment comes at a critical time, providing a safety net for indigent students and reinforcing the university’s commitment to holistic student support. On Thursday, 19 February 2026, members of the Marketing and Communications Management Committee (MarComms MANCO) conducted an official site visit to the pantry. This inspection was a key part of MUT’s transparency measures, ensuring that all donated resources are stored with the highest standards of care and dignity. During the visit, the committee commended Bhekumuzi Mtshali, Warden at Nkandla Residence, for his meticulous management of the facility. The pantry was noted for its: High cleanliness standards: Ensuring food safety for

As Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) shifts gears from strategic design to active implementation of IGNITE 2030, the Directorate of Institutional Planning and Research (DIPR) is leading by example. In a move to ensure the University’s 2026–2030 strategy remains a living, breathing roadmap rather than a “document on a shelf,” DIPR recently held an intensive internal strategic breakaway session on Monday, 16 February 2026. The focus? Strengthening internal alignment and building the operational resilience necessary to support the entire institution through this five-year journey. Dr Liile Lerato Lekena-Bayaga, Senior Director of DIPR, emphasised that the directorate’s role is to serve as a practical guide for the rest of the university. To do this effectively, DIPR “test-drives” every planning and reporting tool internally before rolling them out to other divisions. “When we support divisions, we’re not guessing, we’re guiding with confidence,” said Dr Lekena-Bayaga. “IGNITE 2030 is a daily way of

The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is standing on the precipice of a transformative era as the Marketing and Communications (MarComms) department completes its high-stakes “refuelling session” to launch the IGNITE 2030 Strategic Plan. Moving beyond mere administrative preparation, the MarComms team gathered from 17-18 February 2026 for an intensive off-campus retreat to recalibrate their operations. The goal: to ensure every tweet, press release, and campus event directly fuels the University’s long-term ambitions and the Institutional Improvement Plan (IIP). Mbali Mkhize, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, described the session as an intentional effort to move the University’s mission from paper to practice. “The implementation plan is aligned to MUT Vision 2030, mission, values, goals, and strategic objectives,” Mkhize explained. “We methodically unpacked each component of the Vision and mapped out clear communication interventions.” The team focused on a “cascading” model of planning, a method where the broad goals of

The buzz at MUT is palpable as a wave of gratitude sweeps through the offices and departments, igniting a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. Though there was no grand announcement or flashy fanfare; instead, a collective understanding filled the air, a powerful recognition of their hard work and dedication. As the news of the increment and honorarium spread, staff members, eagerly expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Anette Mienie, and the Acting DVC: Resources and Planning, Bulelani Mahlangu, and the workers union, NEHAWU (MUT). It is a gesture that, while simple, has resonated deeply within the MUT community, and a surge of appreciation has rippled through the campus. Dr Mienie spoke with conviction in one meeting, capturing the mood of many as she highlighted their unity with the Mahlangu, the MUT executive, NEHAWU, and the MUT Council; they are all dedicated to placing MUT at the forefront.