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The deep love for the University led its Chair of Council, Dr Mosidi Makgae, to approach Thembinkosi Madikane, the President of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), to contribute to the Institution’s crucial infrastructure and teaching and learning needs. During a meeting off campus, a few months ago, Dr Makgae came to know Thembinkosi Madikane, President of ECSA. Recognising the value of investing in strong relationships, Dr Makgae invited Madikane to MUT.  On 30 January 2026, Dr Makgae and her Council team welcomed Madikane to MUT. During the visit, Madikane met with the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Anette Mienie, and the Chairperson of Council, Dr Mosidi Makgae, and other external and internal Council members to explore ways of strengthening the University’s Engineering faculty through a strategic partnership with ECSA. Dr Makgae said the discussions focused on positioning ECSA as a key strategic partner in advancing MUT’s growth and

The registration queues have steadily given way to confirmed enrolments, clear evidence of an Institution ready for its new academic year.  With almost all academic programmes now full, the Deputy Registrar, Zolisa Gqamane, has advised that the “Apply Now” option on the CAO website be removed to prevent further applications for the first semester of the 2026 academic year. This milestone signals the strength of the University’s academic offerings and the confidence that prospective students place in the Institution. Behind this successful intake lies a seamless, well-coordinated registration process driven by the dedication of multiple business units working in unison. From Admissions, Finance, Financial Aid, Student Administration, ICT, Student Support Services, to Protection Services and Marketing and Communications, each unit played a critical role in ensuring processes flowed efficiently, and students received care and support promptly. Central to this success was the visible, hands-on leadership of Dr Anette Mienie, the

“Is there any of you who does not want to succeed?” No one!  This question will linger among University students who have just enrolled for the 2026 academic year. It was asked by Professor Marcus Ramogale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning and the UK’s  University of Nottingham alumnus. Professor Ramogale, a teacher by profession and a teacher by nature, was addressing the freshmen at the University’s iconic Dr Pixley Seme Hall on 3 February 2026 during the First-Year Orientation programme. Professor Ramogale’s message was that students must understand that success results from a conscious decision supported by the right actions. “The urge to succeed is natural. God wants us to succeed,” said Professor Ramogale. He explained the difference between a University of Technology and a traditional University. His point was that students who choose MUT as the place where they will assemble their future have made the right decision. Professor

On 4 February 2026, the University Clinic and the Student Affairs’ Disability Support Unit (DSU) of the Student Counselling department had a ‘Sun Smart’ talk with students living with albinism. Sister Ntombenhle Mazibuko, a Professional Nurse at the Clinic, talked about the dangers of UVA and UVB rays. Sister Mazibuko said the sun’s rays damage the skin. UVA (Ageing) refers to Ultraviolet rays that have a deep wavelength and penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, into the dermis and cause skin damage, such as photoaging, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin sagging; while UVB (Burning) refers to UV rays that primarily cause skin burning and its reddening. It has varying intensity, peaking at noon. It has short wavelengths, primarily acts on the skin surface, and is a major driver of DNA mutations that cause skin cancer. “Our ozone layer is damaged, and with climate change comes the changing weather

Tuesday, 3 February 2026, marked Gift of the Givers’ 11th consecutive day of providing decent meals with dignity to Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) students, staff, and some parents and alumni who accompanied their relatives. For this noble deed, MUT pays a special tribute to Gift of the Givers for its unwavering humanitarian support during the 2026 registration period. To MUT management, it soon became very clear that the students and parents would spend long hours at MUT and would need to be fed. A call was made to the Gift of the Givers, an old friend of MUT. The rest, as they say, is history. Without fail, over the past 11 days of registration, Gift of the Givers has served warm, nutritious meals to students who have participated in the registration process. What began as a simple WhatsApp request from Mbali Mkhize, Senior Director: Marketing and Communications at MUT,

As MUT marks this milestone of compassion in action, the University also honours the spirit of giving through a poem penned by an anonymous recipient of this remarkable philanthropy, captured as:

The curtain came down on one of the most important projects in the University – a feeding scheme provided by a well-known charity organisation, the Gift of the Givers. The feeding scheme ran for 11 days and was intended for the most critical part of the registration period. Members of the Department of Marketing and Communications and staff from the Facilities Department dedicated their time and served food to 850-950 students per day. Some of these students were Thelile and Thalente Mlambo, twins from Mbazwana, at Mhlabuyalingana, northern KwaZulu-Natal. The twins collected their food on 3 February 2026. They are doing their final year in Nature Conservation.  Thalente said the staff were “so welcoming and cool”.  The twins saved money by collecting the Gift of the Givers-sponsored lunch. They appreciated the gesture and requested that it be repeated next year.

The Department of Marketing and Communications has partnered with the Safety, Health and Environmental Officer to create ‘MUT Mondays’. At 8.30 am every Monday, these two divisions will take photos of those wearing University-branded attire. “This is an invitation to everyone to don the MUT colours on Mondays, and to celebrate and showcase brand pride as the MUT rolls out IGNITE2030, the Institution’s strategy for 2026 – 2030,” said Lizwi Masondo, Safety, Health and Environmental Officer.  Last Monday, there was significant excitement when the team stopped staff and students in MUT-branded gear to take a group photo. “Wearing University-branded clothing every Monday is an important way for both staff and students to collectively strengthen MUT’s identity and visibility. It creates a sense of unity and belonging, reminding everyone that they are part of a shared mission and community. Consistently showcasing MUT colours also reinforces institutional pride, and helps build a

Somewhere on MUT’s North Campus and main campus, MUT’s brand police have spotted the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Professor Alfred Msomi, donning his new MUT blazer. This is more than a fashion statement; it is a visible declaration of belief in the University, its people, and its future. Many MUT students and staff are taking note. You cannot miss it. The blazer speaks without words: this is what it means to live the brand. The Faculty of Applied Health Sciences is showing us that brand awareness begins with leadership and is strengthened through action, the MarComms team observed. As MUT launches IGNITE 2030, this year calls for collective ownership of the brand. Brand awareness is not the responsibility of a single office or campaign; it is a shared commitment. By proudly wearing the MUT brand every Monday, staff and students embody the University’s values, vision, and

MUT congratulates one of its former students for the latest development to his professional career. Dr Titus Zwanani Mathe has been appointed as CEO at TIA (Technology Innovation Agency), a Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) entity. Dr Mathe, currently the Chief Executive Officer at SANEDI (South African National Energy Development Institute), will start his new role on 1 April 2026. Responding to the appointment, Dr Mathe, a Chemical Engineering graduate at the University, said that the opportunity represents a natural progression in his professional journey, allowing him to contribute at a broader level within the national system of innovation while continuing to serve the public interest.  “The role at TIA offers a platform to orchestrate a national system of innovation ecosystem to strengthen the translation of research and innovation into commercial products and services, contributing to sustainable economic growth and social development. In addition, this opportunity aligns strongly