Gone but Not Forgotten: Tribute to the late ComTech Principal
Ignite 2030: It’s all systems go for MUT Strategic Plan for 2026–2030
Local high schools make a telling impact in the WIPO Summer School
Today, 5 December 2025, is the last day of the 17th World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) South Africa Summer School on Intellectual Property (IP) and Transfer of Technology, hosted by MUT off campus. Dr Mandla Hlongwane, Deputy Director: Technology Transfer in the Research directorate, describe the event as a “flagship international programme that brings together students, young professionals, researchers, and practitioners from South Africa and beyond to deepen their understanding of the strategic role of intellectual property in innovation, economic development, and societal advancement”. On 1 December 2025, the first day of the second week, while everyone was captivated by a lively presentation by Professor Sadulla Karjiker, the Anton Mostert Chair of Intellectual Property Law at the Stellenbosch University who gave an overview of copyright. The day belonged to the learners from these five high schools: Sidelile High, Menzi High, Mqhawe High, Sibusisiwe Comprehensive High and Qinisani High, from in
MUT observes World AIDS Day
Like the rest of the world, MUT recognises 1 Dember as the World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is an international event where global communities join hands in observing a moment to renew commitment to awareness, compassion, and collective action in confronting HIV/AIDS. On 2 December 2025, the University’s Clinic staff met at the Anniversary Lane underneath the huge AIDS ribbon, and lit candles to remind everyone that the problem still exists, and that there is still no cure for AIDS. Sister Bongiwe Sithole, Health Promoter at the Clinic, said “1 December is a call to reinforce accurate knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention, testing and treatment; support the rights and dignity of people living with HIV; and encourage testing and access to care, and reduce stigma and misinformation”. Their message is still that people should use protection; they must take all the precautions necessary to limit the spread of virus. “Our
Sport Update – USSA Boxing Results
Four MUT female boxers have done well at the USSA games at the Transnet Engineering in Pretoria from 30 November to 5 December 2025. Thanduxolo Ngobese won gold in the 66kg category. Ngobese’s teammates won silver in their respective divisions, with Sphesihle Msesiwa in the 54 kg division; Lethiwe Hlongwane in the 48 kg; and Nomvula Kubheka, in the 63kg division.
The number of confirmations grows as end-of-year function comes ‘home’
After several years of hosting the end-of-year function off campus, MUT staff will once again enjoy this much-loved annual event at the heart of the University. The celebration is set for 4 December 2025 at the iconic Dr Pixley Seme Hall. This year’s function carries special significance as MUT transitions from Strategy 2025 to the bold new Strategy 2030, aptly named IGNITE. The name, inspired by feedback from a strategy survey conducted by Directorate of Institutional Planning and Research (DIPR), reflects a vision that extends beyond MUT, aiming to shine globally. IGNITE is not about lighting a simple flame; it symbolises sparking future-fit learning and teaching; financial sustainability; research innovation and digital transformation; strategic partnerships, internationalisation, and visibility; an inclusive and supportive environment. To mark this milestone, staff are encouraged to dress in MUT’s corporate colours, a gesture that goes beyond theme and signals the first step toward embracing the
eThekwini STEM outreach building futures through education
The eThekwini Municipality’s Human Settlements and Technical Services hosted a strategic stakeholder engagement session at the Durban ICC on 21 November 2025. The gathering brought together education partners to reflect on the impact of the city’s STEM outreach programmes rolled out to high schools throughout the year. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) was among the key institutions present, having supported initiatives such as the Grade 12 Career Symposium, school roadshows, winter school programme, Grade 9 Expo and Subject Selection, Women in Science, and Career Dress-Up Day. These programmes aim to inspire learners and align with the Integrated Development Programme (IDP), NDP, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that education efforts contribute to long-term social and economic development. Opening the session, Veena Naidoo, Coordinator in the municipality’s Technical Services Cluster, expressed pride in partnerships spanning the Umlazi, Ugu, and Pinetown education districts. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it.
MUT students bring joy and hope at CHOC Foundation
Thirteen students from Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), accompanied by two staff members from the Marcomms department, spent a day volunteering at the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC) at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital on 25 November 2025. Their visit was filled with compassion and energy as they packed Christmas gifts and hampers, played with children, and offered emotional support to families. Beyond spreading festive cheer, the volunteers assisted with administrative tasks, including registration and consent forms for parents attending consultations and the Christmas party. The experience left a lasting impression on the group, who described it as humbling and deeply rewarding. “What an experience, being an MUT student is a blessing,” said Nobuhle Goba, one of the student volunteers, who also hosts an interfaith show on MUT Radio every Sunday from 10h00 to 12h00. The initiative reflects MUT’s commitment to community engagement and the spirit of giving back.
MUT and eThekwini Municipality train food traders on safe ways to handle food
Two members of the University staff have dedicated their professional skills to benefit local informal traders. Dr Mpou Manyatsa and Dr Trishka Pillay, both lecturers in the Department of Environmental Health, together with the University’s Safe, Health and Wellness practitioner, Lizwi Masondo, partnered with the Small Business Support team and eThekwini Municipality’s Environmental Health division, to deliver specialised training for ready-to-eat informal food traders and registered caterers. The initiative, undertaken as part of a registered MUT CEAD project, aimed to equip food traders with essential knowledge on food safety and pest management. Dr Manyatsa said that the topics included business registration requirements, compliance and certification processes under Regulation 638, the World Health Organisation’s Five Keys to Safer Food, and best practices for effective pest control. The training also highlighted the dangers of pesticide misuse, with a strong focus on preventing poisoning of people, and ensuring the safe handling of chemicals
MUT teams gear up for USSA Games – Inspired by Football Legend Siyabonga Nomvethe
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) proudly announces that its sports teams are ready to compete in the annual University Sports South Africa (USSA) Games, a premier event that celebrates athletic excellence and student development. This participation elevates MUT’s standing nationally and strengthens its role as a national asset and a point of pride for Umlazi and surrounding communities. The female football team will represent MUT at Wits University from 24 to 30 November 2025, while the male football team will compete at the University of Pretoria from 30 November to 6 December 2025. Our boxing team, comprising both male and female athletes, will showcase their talent at Transnet Engineering in Pretoria from 30 November to 5 December 2025. At the official send-off ceremony, MUT athletes received powerful words of encouragement from South African football legend Siyabonga “Bhele” Nomvethe. Known for his illustrious career with Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Bafana Bafana,
Sport Unit signs sponsorship deal with MTN
The Sport and Recreation Unit has signed a sponsorship deal with MTN, a telecommunication giant. The Deputy Director of the unit, Siyabulela Mkwalo, said this “strategic partnership” between MTN and MUT has been established in support of the University’s broader student engagement activities. According to Mkwalo, the collaboration aims to empower students, enhance sports development, and provide MTN with a platform to promote its youth-focused products and services. MTN has committed to provide the following support: trophies for all sports categories as outlined in MUT’s official request; provide vouchers for individual/team winners; provide soccer kits to MUT’s main soccer teams; and MTN will provide Gig Rig activations at campus sports events to drive engagement and visibility. In return, MUT has committed to provide MTN with on-campus activation rights during the sports event; to include MTN branding and visibility during all relevant sporting events and associated communications; and permit MTN to
WIPO Highlights November 2025
Watch the WIPO 2025 Highlights video World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) South Africa Summer School Highlights November 2025 This flagship international programme brings together students, young professionals, researchers, and practitioners from South Africa and beyond to deepen their understanding of the strategic role of intellectual property in innovation, economic development, and societal advancement.