Demonstrating a commitment to transparency and collaborative leadership, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, recently delivered a comprehensive progress update to university staff at the Town Hall meeting on 12 August 2026.
Professor Songca used the platform to celebrate institutional milestones, announce operational shifts, and rally staff around a shared vision for academic excellence. A central highlight of the address was the announcement that MUT has achieved an unqualified audit opinion. Professor Songca lauded the Finance department for its pivotal role in this milestone, celebrating the leadership of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Bulelani Mahlangu. “Today we are celebrating the CFO’s leadership. When we work as a team, we are going to win. We want to improve our systems,” Professor Songca stated.
Having joined MUT in March, Professor Songca also noted a visible improvement in the University’s overall campus aesthetics, crediting the Operations team, particularly, Gugu Lushozi, the Facilities Manager for the transformation. She further highlighted upcoming expansion efforts, spotlighting the North Campus as the next in line for beautification.
Emphasising that a return to foundational basics is the backbone of organisational success, Professor Songca urged staff to take themselves and their work seriously. “Our children must see MUT as a university,” she noted, stressing that professional pride should be reflected in everything from campus spaces to interpersonal communication. Encouraging a culture of responsiveness and active engagement, she advised staff to look beyond standard email correspondence. “Let us do more than just send emails. Let us call, or walk to someone’s office, and engage,” she urged.
To support academic staff in thriving, management is revising several internal policies. Key changes include promotions policy. A streamlined approach where acquiring a PhD will automatically position staff for promotion to senior lecturers. Staff will also have to publish from their doctoral research. Also, the already existing research support will be improved. The University will create a dedicated time and space for academic staff to conduct and publish research. And lastly, there will be a modification to the staff excellence awards to ensure inclusivity, making every staff member feel honoured and respected.
Addressing the collective responsibility of upholding the Institution’s integrity, Professor Songca appealed to staff to protect the University’s reputation. This sentiment was strongly echoed by Sipho Mgedezi, Senior Director of Human Resources and Development, who reminded attendees that bringing the University’s name into dispute constitutes a chargeable offense.
Mgedezi also updated staff on HR matters, noting that a new organizational structure is currently under development. The address concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which staff engaged directly with leadership on key institutional matters.