The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) community has a new reason to break a sweat. In a vibrant ceremony led by Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, the University officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art gym facility this week. The project, which saw an investment of R3 million, represents a significant leap forward in campus wellness and student development.
During her keynote address, Professor Songca highlighted that the gym is more than just a place for physical exercise; it is a sanctuary for mental clarity. “Everyone needs to visit the gym every now and then. We need to de-stress. This is when ideas can come to your head,” Professor Songca remarked.
Leading by example, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal committed to visiting the facility at least once a month to train. Her sentiments were echoed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Marcus Ramogale, who commended the Department of Sport and Recreation for their fiscal discipline. “In Africa, we do more with less,” he noted, praising the high-quality results achieved with the R3-million budget.
The event also touched on the broader development of student-athletes. Siyabulela Mkwalo, Deputy Director of the Department of Sport and Recreation, recalled Professor Songca’s recent call for students to broaden their horizons through travel. Mkwalo reminded the guests at the gym opening ceremony about why administrative readiness matters: “Last year, we had a bodybuilding student who could not travel to a tournament because he did not have a passport.” Mkwalo emphasised that the department shares the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of excellence, ensuring students are prepared for both local competition and international stages.
The facility features equipment from Technogym, a global leader in fitness technology. Andre Rheeder, a Sales Consultant for the brand, assured users that the equipment is designed for maximum safety and inclusivity, catering to weight capacities ranging from 180kg, to 220kg.
In a modern twist, each piece of equipment is fitted with a QR code, allowing users to scan and instantly access instructional information and safety guidelines.