News

The University is congratulating Dr Naledi Pandor upon her appointment as the Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University. This good news was announced by the Chairperson of Nelson Mandela University, Judge Nambitha Dambuza, on 7 January 2026. Dr Pandor will begin her four-year term as Chancellor on 1 April 2026. Dr Pandor has a long history with MUT as an active participant in the education sector. Dr Pandor had interactions with MUT as Minister of Education from 2004 to 2009. Dr Pandor visited the University several times as one of its esteemed guests. During one of the visits, Dr Pandor was thoroughly impressed by the University’s new residences on its main campus. At the same time, she was heartbroken when she was shown a fountain that honoured Zolile Khumalo, a student who was killed by her former boyfriend. The fountain is located in the new residence. Dr Pandor was accompanying the

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) joins countless others in mourning the passing of the founding Principal of Umlazi Comtech High School, Mr Lucky Luthuli, a visionary educationist whose influence will be felt for generations to come. During Mr Luthuli’s tenure, MUT enjoyed a fruitful and deeply meaningful partnership with Comtech High School. Like many committed principals across Umlazi Township, he opened the doors of his beloved school. He welcomed MUT with openness and trust, enabling the University to implement its Anchor Strategy, an initiative aimed at developing and supporting neighbouring schools. Comtech High School benefited immensely from this collaboration, and Mr Luthuli played a pivotal role in ensuring its success. His leadership made it possible for Basic Education and Higher Education to work seamlessly together, creating an enabling environment for learners and students to improve their educational outcomes and become active, responsible citizens. Notably, Mr Luthuli will be remembered as

Mangosuthu University of Technology is ready to turn vision into reality. During the upcoming State of the University Address (SOTU), MUT will officially launch its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, themed Ignite 2030 – From Vision to Delivery. This marks a defining moment for our institution and a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence that will shape the next five years. This strategy positions MUT as a beacon of hope for Umlazi, South Africa, and the global academic community. Implementation begins immediately, with progress tracked quarterly and a mid-term review in 2028. Stakeholders are invited to pledge their support and live the MY MUT values daily. This pre-launch article showcases the Ignite 2030 visual identity, a design that tells our story. Beams of light symbolise innovation and progress, puzzle pieces represent building the future together and reflect collaboration, and zigzag patterns celebrate MUT’s cultural roots and Ubuntu values. This is more than

Future-Fit Learning & Teaching – Modernising curricula and embedding digital literacy. Financial Sustainability – Diversifying income streams and strengthening resource management. Research, Innovation & Digital Transformation – Driving impactful research and technology adoption. Strategic Partnerships & Visibility – Building global collaborations and enhancing MUT’s reputation. Strategic partnerships will open doors for networking and exposure to best practices. Inclusive & Supportive Environment – Fostering wellness, safety, and transformation across campus. A focus on wellness, safety, and transformation ensures a workplace that values diversity and respect. Future-fit learning and digital transformation mean new skills, new tools, and new ways of working. Staff will have opportunities to grow alongside the institution. The new Strategic Plan is about institutional transformation and empowering every staff member to grow and thrive.

Our MY MUT values are the foundation of how we work, learn, and grow together. They guide our behaviour, shape our culture, and ensure that every interaction reflects the spirit of MUT. Here’s what each value means: Mastery Striving for excellence in everything we do—whether in teaching, research, or service. It’s about continuous improvement and setting high standards for us and our institution. Yearning for Growth Embracing learning and development as lifelong pursuits. This value encourages curiosity, adaptability, and the drive to acquire new skills and knowledge. Mutual Respect Treating each other with dignity and fairness. Respect creates an environment where collaboration thrives, and every voice is valued. Ubuntu Living the principle of “I am because we are.” Ubuntu reminds us that our success is interconnected and that we must support and uplift one another. Transparency Acting with honesty and openness in all our dealings. Transparency builds trust and strengthens

Ignite 2030 is more than a theme—it’s our shared commitment to transform Mangosuthu University of Technology into a future-ready institution. For staff, this strategy represents: A Clear Roadmap for Growth The plan sets out five bold goals that will shape how we teach, research, and serve our community. Your role is central in modernising curricula, embedding digital literacy, and driving innovation. Living the MY MUT Values Daily Mastery, Yearning for Growth, Mutual Respect, Ubuntu, and Transparency are not just words—they guide how we work together and engage with students and stakeholders. Collaboration and Ownership Ignite 2030 calls for all hands-on deck. Every department, every team, and every individual has a part to play in making this vision a reality. Whether through teaching, research, administration, or support services, your contribution matters. Opportunities for Professional Development Future-fit learning and digital transformation mean new skills, new tools, and new ways of working. Staff

As MUT launches its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the spotlight often falls on the five bold goals. But behind these goals lies a powerful engine, the eight cross-cutting strategic enablers. These enablers are the foundation for making our vision achievable, ensuring that every initiative is supported by strong systems, ethical governance, and future-ready capabilities. Goals define what we want to achieve; enablers define how we will get there. They create the conditions for success, embedding sustainability, accountability, and innovation into every aspect of MUT’s operations. Without these enablers, progress would be fragmented and short-lived. The Eight Strategic Enablers Driving MUT Forward Transformational Leadership and Performance Building a high-performance, student-centred culture through inclusive, values-based leadership, talent development, and intentional change management. Leadership is not just about authority—it’s about inspiring transformation and accountability. Good Governance Strengthening ethical governance by aligning policies, decision rights, and accountability to public sector standards and student interests. Transparent

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