The vibrant celebration of Women’s Day at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) began with a wave of enthusiasm and solidarity among the attendees. The event, which took place off-campus on August 25, 2025, highlighted the incredible achievements and empowerment of women at the university.
As the gathering commenced, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, addressed the audience with heartfelt apologies for her absence. “This is the first time since I joined MUT in 2022 that I am not physically with you,” she shared via a virtual connection. She was abroad working towards achieving Goal 4 of the University’s Strategy, which focuses on Targeted National Engagement and Internationalisation.
Despite her physical absence, Professor Sibiya’s presence resonated through her words. She acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the women at MUT, emphasising how these women inspire growth and strength within the institution. “I see MUT growing from strength to strength because I am surrounded by women like you,” she declared, reflecting on the collective efforts fuelling the university’s mission.
The Vice-Chancellor then transitioned into discussing the relevance of the event’s theme: “Driving Inclusive Transformation: Women at the Forefront of the MUT’s Vision.” She emphasised the need for critical conversations surrounding gender equity, inclusive leadership, and wellness—topics she believed were essential for advancing women’s roles within academic spheres.
Professor Sibiya also shared an exciting recent milestone: “Following the signing of the MOU in March, I led a delegation to Bangkok for the prestigious 11th International Conference on Public Health,” she revealed, her pride evident. The conference’s theme—*Redefining Public Health: Harnessing Innovation, Collaboration, and Equity for Resilient Public Health Systems*—aligned closely with MUT’s aspirations.
The delegation, a multidisciplinary team from the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, made remarkable contributions. Professor Sibiya expressed her honour in receiving a formal partnership award, underscoring MUT’s growing reputation as a global partner in health research. Notably, she highlighted the achievements of her colleagues and how these efforts propelled new collaborative research partnerships with institutions across Thailand, India, and Liberia, further expanding MUT’s international reach.
Through all these successes, Professor Sibiya offered a poignant reflection on the changing landscape for women in South Africa. “Many women have ascended to leadership positions through resilience, strategic networking, and advocacy,” she noted. She underscored the importance of building strong professional networks and finding mentors who can navigate the unique challenges faced by women. These environments provide crucial support and empowerment.
However, she also issued a call to action, stressing that any changes in the lives of women need to be systematic and planned. “Academic institutions must implement policies that actively promote diversity and inclusion,” she asserted, advocating for tailored leadership development programmes for women. “The challenges are significant but not insurmountable,” she affirmed, encouraging the audience not to shy away from promoting women in leadership roles at every level.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the spirit of empowerment, solidarity, and ambition echoed through the hearts of everyone present, fostering a promising future for women at MUT and beyond.