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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.

The end of 2025 was a good time for one of the staff members in the Research directorate. Dr Melvin Sello Mothoa, Postgraduate and Postdoctoral and Fellowship Officer at the Research directorate, was awarded by his alma mater, Tshwane University of Technology, as “a Top Achiever and to receive the Best DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) Researcher Award. The Tshwane School of Business and Society (TSB) Excellence Awards took place on 11 December 2025. This “prestigious” recognition is awarded to candidates whose doctoral research demonstrates exceptional academic quality, originality, and real-world impact. The uniqueness of Dr Mothoa’s research lies in developing a practical framework tailored to the realities of SMMEs. “Unlike many studies that focus only on access to finance from a theoretical perspective, my thesis integrates policy analysis, institutional challenges, and firm-level realities to propose actionable solutions. The developed and proposed framework bridges gaps between SMMEs, financial institutions, and

Three University academics have made a significant contribution to a book published by Springer, an American publishing company specialising in academic journals and books across nursing, gerontology, psychology, social work, counselling, public health, and rehabilitation. The book, ‘Measurement, Automation, and Control in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning’, with 13 chapters, is edited by two MUT academics from the Department of Electrical Engineering: Professor Puramanathan (Ralph) Naidoo and Matthew Sibanda.  Sibanda said the book is a guidebook for the “smart factories” and automated systems of the future. “Think of it as a roadmap for making machines not just active, but aware and adaptive,” Sibanda said. The book explains how traditional industrial systems are being “upgraded” with AI: Measurement (the Senses): “Instead of a sensor just reporting a number, like it is 100 degrees, AI allows it to understand what that number means for the future, predicting if a machine is about

On Thursday, 12 February 2026, staff representatives from 37 universities in Sweden and South Africa attended the AIMday workshop for the full day. The online workshop aimed to raise awareness of the proposed AIMday events scheduled for May. AIMDay is a key deliverable of SASUF+ Work Package 1, which aims to connect academia and industry, fostering collaborative dialogue and joint research to address real-world challenges. MUT’s SASUF Coordinator, Mbali Mkhize said the team will engage the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Anette Mienie to explore strategic avenues for maximising MUT’s impact and visibility in the upcoming AIMday activities. She further stated that “AIMday seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice, and brings together researchers and industry, government, and civil society to co-create solutions. This initiative stimulates partnerships between South African and Swedish universities, informs future research and funding proposals, and enhances societal impact by ensuring that academic research aligns with

MUT, like others worldwide, is commemorating Teen Suicide Week, which ran from 8 February 2026 to 14 February 2026. The theme for this year is: “Your Feelings Matter, Let’s Talk; addressing bullying, fostering supportive environments at home and school, and creating psychologically safe spaces”. During the three-day dialogue session that started on 11 February 2026, Velisiwe Ngema, a Campus Care Worker from Higher Health, based in the Student Affairs’ Counselling Unit, primarily interacted with first-year students who expressed interest in the subject. The students responded with constructive messages. Ngema said the students’ “views and responses regarding suicide were very encouraging and insightful. They were open and willing to share their thoughts”.  For instance, one stated that you should not compare yourself to others from well-off families. You need to accept what your parents can afford to give you. Ngema said: “There is still a significant amount of work that needs