One of the significant decisions that MUT took in 2025 was to introduce the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards for Support and Administrative Staff. These awards represent a flagship initiative, launched in direct response to feedback gathered during the University’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 consultation process. During this consultation process, across all three faculties and departments, staff consistently emphasised the need for more visible, formal, and meaningful recognition of the indispensable contributions made by non-academic professionals in advancing MUT’s mission. This idea culminated in a huge event that took place on 10 December 2025, off campus. More than 40 staff members were nominated for “the extraordinary contributions through their dedication, innovation, and unwavering service that form the backbone of Mangosuthu University of Technology’s success”, said Sipho Ngidi, the Interim Senior Director: Human Resources and Development. Ngidi noted that the awards recognise the impact that ripples across departments, transforms systems, and advances MUT’s mission with integrity, efficiency, and care. “We honour three remarkable individuals who embody the very best of our institutional values,” Ngidi said.
In the end, after all the trouble, the adjudicators decided to select three of the best. These individuals were Nkosana Jijimba, a Business Analyst for Student Systems in the Department of Information Technology and Networks (IT&N). Sanele Mngadi, Business Analyst: HR and Other Systems, IT&N, was another winner and Khehla Ndlovu, the Acting Head: Department of Transport. Jijimba’s most transformative contribution lies in the seamless integration of the CAO and MUT-ITS systems. Reading his citation, Bulelani Mahlangu, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources and Planning said that it was a milestone that revolutionised online student registration and residence applications. “The impact of his work has resonated beyond our campus. Peer institutions have sought to benchmark MUT’s systems, a testament to the national relevance of Jijimba’s contributions,” said Mahlangu.
Mngadi’s service to MUT is defined by “quiet competence, intellectual generosity, and steadfast commitment to institutional integrity”, said Mahlangu, while Ndlovu is said to have redefined excellence in the Transport department. “With an impeccable safety record over many years, Ndlovu has built a culture of accountability. He has implemented rigorous systems for trip logs, mileage tracking, fuel usage and fleet cleanliness,” according to Mahlangu.
The MUT staff members were very grateful for the honours. Jijimba said that “… It was even a greater honour to find myself being the winner, considering my journey having transitioned from being a security guard to a strategic position of being a Business Analyst at MUT. I am deeply grateful to MUT for all the years I have worked,” Mngadi said he was “very humbled by the thought that I deserve to be recognised for the very delicate work I do”.
Ndlovu attributed his victory to the support he gets from his Transport team. “Winning this award means a great deal to us as a Transport team. It reflects the support, collaboration, and guidance I have received from the Transport colleagues, some of whom have been working here for more than 30 years,” Ndlovu. Ndlovu has been working at MUT for 10 years. As his name was announced, the hall reverberated in agreement with a decision to award him.
The three staff members received certificates, cash, and surprise gifts from the Learning and Teaching directorate.