Amidst a challenging national economic landscape and a competitive job market, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has provided a significant beacon of hope for its students. The annual Careers Fair, held at the University’s iconic Seme Hall from 14 to 15 May 2026, saw a massive turnout of 53 industry leaders actively seeking to recruit MUT talent. The two-day event transformed Seme Hall into a high-energy networking hub where students from the Faculties of Engineering, Management Sciences, and Applied and Health Sciences engaged directly with prospective employers. Unlike traditional career exhibitions, many participating organisations were on-site to fill immediate vacancies, offering students a direct pathway from the classroom to the workforce.
Zama Hlubi, Job Placement Officer from the Department of Cooperative Education, the department responsible for organising the annual event, emphasised that the Career Fair is more than just a meeting; it is a strategic platform for employment. “What encourages us to do this event every year is that MUT’s academic offerings align perfectly with what the industry needs,” said Hlubi. “Our main job is to create a platform for both prospective employers and students to meet and discuss employment. We see our graduates being absorbed across all sectors, from Engineering to Management Sciences.”
The success of the MUT-industry pipeline was vividly illustrated by Corruseal, a leading packaging company based in Prospecton, south of Durban. Lindiwe Bhengu, Business Partner at Corruseal, revealed that the company has hired eight MUT graduates in the last five months alone; these graduates are from Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Marketing disciplines. “Nobody leaves,” Bhengu noted proudly, explaining that their short-term placements almost invariably lead to full-time permanent positions. At this year’s fair, Corruseal was looking to recruit more than 10 additional MUT graduates for their branches, including those in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
One such success story is Mandisa Cele, a 2025 Chemical Engineering graduate. After being hired early in 2026, Cele is already a full-time Waste Controller at Corruseal. “Working with Corruseal has been an eye-opening experience in the manufacturing industry. I am looking forward to growing within the packaging sector,” Cele shared.
Similarly, Nasiphi Matikinca, who completed her in-service training at Blendcor in 2025 and graduated in 2026, is currently working as a Lab Technician on a fixed-term contract. Matikinca attributes her success to determination and a strong work ethic, stating that her involvement in key projects has positioned her well for future permanent roles within the company.
The 2026 Careers Fair underscores MUT’s commitment to ensuring that its graduates are not only qualified but are also highly sought after by industry. By facilitating these face-to-face engagements, the University continues to combat unemployment by proving that its graduates possess the “work-ready” skills required by modern industry.