Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is celebrating a significant milestone in its journey toward global excellence as three staff members were selected for the prestigious DAAD-DIES National Multiplication Trainings (NMT) Fellowship Programme.
Ayanda Blose and Sthembile Maphumulo-Ndlovu, both Schools’ Liaison Officers, along with Dr Melvin Mothoa, Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships Coordinator at the Research directorate, have been accepted into the specialised training programme: “Building Bridges: Developing Internationalisation Skills for Professional Staff in Universities.”
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and MUT. Operating under the DAAD-DIES (Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies) banner, the programme focuses on empowering historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) to build sustainable internationalisation frameworks.
Unlike traditional academic fellowships, this programme recognises that administrative and professional staff are the “engine room” of global engagement. It provides practical tools to manage international partnerships, enhance student mobility, and boost institutional competitiveness on the world stage.
The fellowship follows a structured, year-long hybrid model: 29 January 2026: Initial virtual onboarding and orientation. 4-6 March 2026: First in-person workshop at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Mid-Year: Project implementation phases where fellows apply skills to real-world university challenges. 2-4 September 2026: Final in-person workshop and project presentation hosted at MUT.
The selection of these specific staff members aligns with MUT’s broader IGNITE 2030 strategy. For Blose and Maphumulo-Ndlovu, the fellowship offers a chance to weave global perspectives into the University’s student recruitment and outreach efforts. Mbali Mkhize, a trainer for the programme, and Senior Director: Department of Marketing and Communications at MUT, noted that their participation “signals a strategic move to embed global perspectives within the University’s outreach ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Dr Melvin Mothoa aims to use the platform to expand the horizons for advanced scholars. “This is a platform to strengthen research collaboration frameworks and expand opportunities for postgraduate mobility,” Dr Mothoa explained.
The commitment to this development is underscored by the host institutions, which are covering all training, accommodation, and transport costs for the contact phases.
“The achievements of Blose, Maphumulo-Ndlovu, and Dr Mothoa stand as a testament to our values of Yearning for Growth and Mastery in professional development,” added Mkhize. By empowering its professional staff, MUT is not just building bridges; it is ensuring the University is ready to cross them.