The university’s karate team has made a triumphant return from the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Karate Tournament, bringing home an impressive haul of Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals despite facing significant logistical hurdles. The 10-member squad competed at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) from 27–28 June, 2026, delivering a performance that Student Representative Council (SRC) President Mdumiseni Chonco described as a “testament to the dedication, discipline, and resilience of our students.”
In an official letter of appreciation to the interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, Chonco praised the University leadership for a last-minute intervention that funded the team’s travel and allowed the SRC to support the athletes on the ground. In response, Professor Songca said, ‘I am glad that the team won and appreciate your presence. Thank you for your reflections. They will assist us in strengthening support for our teams moving forward.”
The team’s medal-winning success is particularly remarkable given the gruelling journey they endured to get to the mats. Unlike competing institutions from KwaZulu-Natal that opted for air travel, the local squad endured a gruelling road trip from Durban to Cape Town:
“Considering these circumstances, I am confident that our students have the potential to achieve even greater success when provided with conditions that optimise their preparation and performance,” Chonco noted.
The tournament also marked a historic moment for student leadership alignment. For many of the karatekas, it was the first time an SRC President had personally travelled to support them at a national tournament. Chonco reported that his presence significantly boosted the team’s morale and fostered a deeper sense of institutional pride.
While celebrating the current medal haul, the SRC is already looking ahead. Chonco has urged University management to continue its commitment to sports excellence by reviewing future travel accommodations and squad sizes.
By levelling the playing field through optimised preparation and larger delegations, the University’s karate team looks poised to dominate the national stage in the years to come.
Other Sport results
The MUT netball team has had a mixed bag of results at the 2026 USSA Games at the Central University of Technology. On 30 June 2026, the team won 46-43 against Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. A day before that, the team lost to North West University by 45-28. The competition ends on 3 July 2026.