News

On 10 December 2025, the Mangosuthu University of Technology’s Learning and Teaching Directorate hosted its annual Teaching and Learning Awards with a refined sense of elegance that reflected the occasion’s significance and the directorate’s posh events, which it is known for. As guests arrived at the neatly decorated venue, greeted by soft lighting and thoughtful touches, it became evident that this was a meaningful gathering honouring excellence, resilience, and the core mission that continues to guide MUT. Staff members arrived in their finest attire, students glowed with accomplishment, and families looked on with admiration. The glitz and glam served as a backdrop to a day deeply rooted in academic achievement and institutional values. A particularly touching highlight of the event was the thoughtful foresight demonstrated by Dr Manyana Makua’s directorate: the deliberate decision to invite parents of winning students and families of staff members receiving awards. Their presence transformed the

Professor Marcus Ramogale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Learning and Teaching, is known as one of the longest-serving DVCs at MUT, where he has held the role for 16 years, five of which he also served as acting MUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Before that, he was also a DVC Academic at the University of Venda, thus making him the longest-serving DVC at any South African university. In an impromptu speech, he reminded the audience that the university’s most consistent and proudest achievement has been its unwavering ability to graduate students year after year. This, he emphasised, is the very core of why MUT was founded: to provide quality, life-changing education and produce skilled graduates who uplift their communities and the country. “MUT has been consistent with its academic agenda, and as we recognise excellence in teaching and learning, we are reminded that our mission at MUT is to ensure that we give our

One of the significant decisions that MUT took in 2025 was to introduce the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards for Support and Administrative Staff. These awards represent a flagship initiative, launched in direct response to feedback gathered during the University’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 consultation process. During this consultation process, across all three faculties and departments, staff consistently emphasised the need for more visible, formal, and meaningful recognition of the indispensable contributions made by non-academic professionals in advancing MUT’s mission. This idea culminated in a huge event that took place on 10 December 2025, off campus. More than 40 staff members were nominated for “the extraordinary contributions through their dedication, innovation, and unwavering service that form the backbone of Mangosuthu University of Technology’s success”, said Sipho Ngidi, the Interim Senior Director: Human Resources and Development. Ngidi noted that the awards recognise the impact that ripples across departments, transforms systems, and advances MUT’s mission

The Learning and Teaching Directorate deserves a huge round of applause for shining a spotlight on our top-performing students! Their commitment goes beyond accolades; it is about creating lasting memories by inviting the parents of these exceptional students to celebrate their achievements together. On December 10, 2025, we witnessed an inspiring celebration honouring two outstanding students from the Faculties of Engineering and Management Sciences for their remarkable academic accomplishments. This event was a heartfelt tribute to the support systems that help these students soar. While the number of students who enrol for Engineering programmes at the country’s universities is still not enough, it is more than pleasing to note that those who have enrolled for these programmes are doing very well. Some of these are two MUT young students from Durban’s Clermont. Ntokozo Myeza, a second-year Diploma in Building, was awarded the Top Achieving Student in the Faculty of Engineering. 

On 10 December 2025, the University had its annual Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards. What became the highlight of the event, as the winners were called out, was that most of them were from the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences. Four out of five!  The Dean of the faculty, Professor Alfred Msomi, described this development as “a remarkable achievement that underscores the dedication, innovation, and excellence that define our faculty’s commitment to advancing education and student success”. Professor Msomi said that as head of the faculty, he was immensely excited and proud of these awardees, “whose contributions have set a shining example in learning and teaching. Their recognition not only celebrates their individual efforts but also highlights the high standards we uphold in our programmes. “I encourage all staff members in the faculty to draw inspiration from these four exemplary colleagues,” Professor Msomi said. The four academics from this

As the year ends, MUT finds itself flooded with stories that reflect so much excellence. One of these stories is that an academic from the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences has been included in the fourth cohort of the DHET Future Professors Programme (FPP), Phase 1. Dr Ndumiso Ncobela, a Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture, has been included in the fourth cohort of the programme hosted by Stellenbosch University. Writing to MUT, Professor Jonathan Jansen, Project Leader, emphasised that the quality of nominations received from all 26 universities was “exceptional. All the nominees are worthy ambassadors for both their institutions and their disciplines”. Professor Jansen also thanked all the universities for handling the process professionally. Dr Anette Mienie, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MUT, also highlighted this fact. Dr Mienie underscored the professionalism of Sfiso Qwabe, who is responsible for the FPP in the Research Directorate. “Thank

In an unusual visit by university funders, especially on a day before MUT officially closed for the year, on 11 December 2025, MUT had the honour of hosting the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), led by Dr Titus Zwanani Mathe. Dr Mathe, CEO of SANEDI, is a MUT alumnus and a dedicated community builder, exemplified by his foresight in energy sustainability and its accessibility to marginalised communities and the continent. “As SANEDI, we have taken a decisive step in advancing South Africa’s energy and sustainability agenda, and in this journey, we are walking with the university.  MUT needs to play a critical role and sit at the table with other universities.” The meeting, chaired by Dr Xolile Ngubane, Senior Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, brought together key stakeholders, including Morakanele Thipe, Manager in the office of the SANEDI CEO and MUT leadership, including Dr Richard Chidzonga,

One of the major announcements made on 4 December 2025, during the annual staff year-end function, was the staff’s academic progress. More than 40 staff members filed to the podium as their names were announced. Professor Alfred Msomi, Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, was waiting to shake their hands and congratulate them. The 43 staff members were divided into four categories – Postgraduate Diploma, Degree, Master’s, and PhD. The latter category, PhD, had 19, which is approximately 44.19%, a very pleasing piece of news indeed! The next category was the Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma, with 11 candidates, beating the Master’s category by just one. The remaining three candidates made the Degree category. What was interesting was that 15 of these newly graduated employees are support staff members; two of them, Gloria Mkhize from the Technology Station in Chemicals (TSC) and NomaXhosa Msimango from the Department of Chemistry, obtained

On 4 December 2025, MUT staff had their annual end-of-year function at the University’s iconic Dr Seme Hall. One of the items on the agenda was the long-service awards. This is when the University recognises staff who have worked there for 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years. A few individuals have gone beyond 30 years. One of the MUT employees who has worked for the institution for 30 years is Nomsa Mkhize. Mkhize’s long history with MUT is more than pleasing. It is a history of commitment and dedication. Mkhize joined MUT at 31. She was hired on a temporary basis, working at various departments, HR, Stores, Student Counselling, and DVC Administration’s office. “I was then appointed permanently as a Telephonist in 1995, a position I held until 2004. From there, I moved into the Maintenance section as a Secretary, where I continue to serve to date,” Mkhize said.

As the festive season approaches, MUT staff arrived on campus in high spirits on Thursday, 4 December 2025, already looking forward to the well-deserved staff end-of-year function which is a percussor to the annual break. This is a time to reconnect with loved ones and recharge after a year of hard work. This moment is more than just a pause; it is an opportunity for reflection, to celebrate achievements, and to appreciate the journey so far. It is also when MUT Management steps forward to express heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment shown throughout the year. During this gathering, leadership reflects on the progress made over the past 11 months and encourage everyone to keep honouring their shared responsibility to the University. Speaking on behalf of the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Anette Mienie at the function, Bulelani Mahlangu, MUT CFO, said: “I am also filled with immense pride