As the festive season approaches, MUT staff arrived on campus in high spirits on Thursday, 4 December 2025, already looking forward to the well-deserved staff end-of-year function which is a percussor to the annual break. This is a time to reconnect with loved ones and recharge after a year of hard work. This moment is more than just a pause; it is an opportunity for reflection, to celebrate achievements, and to appreciate the journey so far. It is also when MUT Management steps forward to express heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment shown throughout the year. During this gathering, leadership reflects on the progress made over the past 11 months and encourage everyone to keep honouring their shared responsibility to the University.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Anette Mienie at the function, Bulelani Mahlangu, MUT CFO, said: “I am also filled with immense pride and gratitude for being a part of the University attaining a historic milestone. We have successfully achieved all the goals set out in Strategy 2025. This is not just a victory for MUT, it is a testament to your resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Mahlangu reminded staff that when the University launched Strategy 2025, they envisioned an Institution that would excel in research, teaching and community engagement. He said that they were proud to say they had delivered on that promise, mentioning that in research and innovation they exceeded their research output targets, expanded the University’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio, and have hosted the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) South Africa Summer School on Intellectual Property (IP) and Transfer of Technology last year, and this year. The 17th WIPO Summer School that MUT hosted from 24 November ends on 5 December 2025. Mahlangu also reminded staff what has been happening in the teaching and learning arena. “Graduation rates improved significantly; new programmes were accredited, and work-integrated learning (WIL) placements reached good levels. Also, our STEM and digital literacy initiatives transformed lives, and our partnerships deepened our impact in Umlazi Township and beyond,” he said.
The University also made huge strides in national and international engagement: strengthening its partnerships globally, signed strategic MOUs, and positioned MUT as a respected player on the international stage. “We also continued to host global summits. On top of that, we have hosted two Presidents from United States universities within two consecutive years. These US universities leaders were overwhelmed with appreciation of how we make a difference with limited resources,” said Mahlangu. The University’s global engagements were also reinforced within the African continent with MUT hosting two Vice-Chancellors from African universities (Ghana Christian University and Namibia University of Science and Technology). Mahlangu also said management implemented robust governance systems, enhanced risk management, and launched wellness programmes that are improving staff wellbeing.
Another important aspect of the staff year end event was shining light on the direct contributions by staff. These are staff that have added more academic qualifications, and staff that have spent some well measured time working for the University. Starting from 10 years of service, right up 30 years, and beyond.