Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has earned national recognition for its role in shaping a skilled, future-ready workforce, following its success at the 2026 South Africa Leadership Awards, held on 13 April 2026 in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Professor Rushiella Songca, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, was honoured with an invitation from Dr RL Bhatia, CEO of the World Education Congress, to accept the certificate on behalf of MUT. During the ceremony, Professor Songca’s impressive professional background was shared with the audience, emphasising her leadership journey and the notable impact of MUT, especially its transformative influence in Umlazi Township and the surrounding areas. This recognition acknowledged the University’s commitment to excellence and highlighted its vital role in promoting inclusive, community-focused higher education on a national level.
The award comes at a pivotal time, as Professor Songca is actively driving a renewed institutional vision. Currently undertaking a 100-day engagement journey, Professor Songca has been working closely with internal and external stakeholders to reshape perceptions of MUT, strengthen its brand, and position the University as a dynamic, responsive, and forward-looking institution.
Responding to the award receipt, Professor Songca said, “It is an honour for me to receive this award on behalf of my university. We are based in a township, and as such, most of our students come from other townships other than Umlazi Township, as well as from rural areas. We therefore strive to ensure that we produce graduates with the relevant skills required by the world of work. And we are guided in achieving this by our Academic Identity document, which, among other things, places greater emphasis on graduate attributes”.
The selection process was rigorous and research-driven, drawing on an in-depth analysis of institutional performance, public-facing platforms, and leadership impact. Professor Songca shared the stage with other award recipients from the University of Limpopo, Stellenbosch University and the Retail Institute of South Africa, as the only universities selected in this category.
Beyond the recognition itself, the awards platform created valuable opportunities for MUT to engage with key stakeholders across sectors, including industry leaders, government representatives, state-owned entities, and non-profit organisations. These engagements have strengthened the University’s visibility and opened pathways for future collaboration.
This milestone affirms MUT’s strategic direction and reinforces its role as a University that not only responds to societal needs but actively shapes them. Professor Songca was accompanied by Dr Xolile Ngubane, Senior Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, and Mbali Mkhize, Senior Director: Department of Marketing and Communications.