In a major step toward levelling the playing field in higher education and scientific innovation, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) officially launched its Women in Research Initiative for Growth and Transformation (WRIGHT) on 28 October 2026. The historic event brought together leaders from government, academia, and research, headlined by the Honourable Dr Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, who delivered the keynote address emphasising the critical role women play in driving societal progress and scientific development.
Conceived by the Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rushiella Songca, and supported by key academic figures, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE) Professor Mncedisi Maphalala, and Dr Xolile Ngubane, Senior Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the WRIGHT initiative was developed to address historical gender disparities in academic research and institutional leadership at MUT.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Rushiella Songca, highlighted that while women possess immense potential to contribute to knowledge production and technological innovation, talent alone is insufficient without structural support. “The future of research and innovation cannot be fully realised unless women can participate, lead, succeed, and contribute on equal terms,” Professor Songca stated. “WRIGHT is a vehicle and embodiment of women’s participation. It is also about sisterhood, a platform where women share their pains, celebrate their joys and advancements, and support each other through their professional journeys,” said Professor Songca.
The initiative builds on international, continental, and national imperatives, including UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation. Furthermore, WRIGHT directly supports MUT’s broader strategic vision, IGNITE 2030, by promoting research excellence, innovation, transformation, and direct societal impact.
WRIGHT is designed as an action-oriented framework to create an enabling ecosystem for both emerging and established female researchers, extending beyond traditional academic departments to include researchers within the university’s support divisions.
Key objectives of the WRIGHT initiative are doctoral and career progression. Professor Songca said they aimed to increase the number of female staff completing doctoral qualifications and advancing into senior academic and research leadership roles. And funding and visibility by assisting women in securing competitive national and international grants while boosting the visibility and output of their published research.
Professor Songca also said they wanted to establish formal pipelines for mentorship, collaborative research networks, and leadership development; and put in place mechanisms to support women in driving intellectual property creation, technology transfer, and commercialisation.
The launch event was directed by Nomkhosi Ndlovu and featured a prominent all-female panel of guest speakers, including Professor Kogieleum Naidoo, Omphile Netshiozwi, and Dr Kavita Behara who shared insights on research excellence, mentorship, intellectual property, and leadership development.
In her keynote address, Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina commended MUT for taking proactive measures to remove systemic barriers facing women in the National System of Innovation (NSI), reaffirming the government’s commitment to gender transformation in science and technology.