The directorate has appointed Melvin Mothoa, a seasoned administrator, to “put in place and maintain structures, systems, and processes to ensure effective management of the University Capacity Development Plan (UCDP).”
The UCDP was introduced by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in January 2018. It is aimed at enhancing development initiatives at universities. It focuses on three areas in the sector; these are student development, staff development, and curriculum development.
Commenting on Mothoa’s appointment, Dr Anette Mienie, the Director of the directorate, described Mothoa as an amazing individual. “He has already started to work on the UCDG research projects and is in the process of finalising a research capacity development plan. I wish him an exciting career at MUT and look forward to working with him as we grow research support at MUT,” said Dr Mienie.
Mothoa, who joined the Institution in December last year, said that he is rolling out research-related projects that specifically focus on MUT support and academic staff. He provides MUT staff with opportunities such as Research capacity development workshops and seed funds in the form of grants for emerging researchers. Mothoa is also responsible for the budgeting and financial management of research grants projects, the monitoring and evaluation of UCDP Research projects, and Administration of Research Ethics in the Directorate.
He was doing the same duties at North-West University, which he joined in 2020. He also held a similar position at UNISA from 2017 to 2020.
Mothoa, from Pretoria, holds a Diploma in Marketing Management, B-Tech in Business Administration, and a Master’s in Organisational Leadership, all from the Tshwane University of Technology. He is studying towards a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration with the Tshwane School for Business and Society.