The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Convocation has officially signalled its support for the appointment of Professor Rushiela Songca as the University’s new Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal. In a statement released by MUT Convexco President Sandile Dlamini on 2 March 2026 off campus, the Convocation applauded the MUT Council for its decisive action in securing leadership aimed at restoring stability to the Institution.
A primary theme of the welcome was the preservation of MUT’s unique identity. Dlamini emphasised that the University must remain a sovereign entity, free from the influence of external academic bodies. “We state categorically clear that MUT is not a sub-branch of any other university; we are an independent institution,” Dlamini asserted. “We definitely are not expecting to see MUT being turned into a sub-branch, as it was beginning to happen.”
The MUT Convocation, which represents the University’s alumni and broader academic community, expressed a fierce sense of “jealousy” regarding the Institution’s reputation and legacy, citing MUT as the foundation of their professional success.
To ensure the success of this new chapter, the leadership called for three things: a total stakeholder cooperation. They are urging students, staff, and partners to provide the Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal with full support. They are also calling for a focus on transformation. For this to happen, all stakeholders must work collaboratively to modernize and evolve the University’s impact. And lastly, they are calling vigilance. They want the Institution to be protected from being taken for granted by internal or external actors.
The appointment is seen as a pivotal move toward long-term organisational health. Dlamini concluded by welcoming Professor Songca warmly on behalf of the Convocation, noting that the alumni body was eager to begin the work of “changing and transforming” MUT for the better.