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Mangosuthu University of Technology Annual Report
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National Skills Fund (NSF)
The National Skills Fund (NSF), through the Department of
Higher Education and Training, provided
R 22 536 318.40
as full bursaries for students who qualify under the NSF
Bursary Fund for Scarce and Critical Skills. Nine hundred
and twenty five (925) students were awarded full bursaries
under this bursary funding programme. This is a marked
improvement compared to 2014 where the amount
provided was
R 20 038 725.56
and 770 students were
funded. In 2015 the number of students assisted under
NSF for NatSkills increased by 16%.
Students with Disabilities
Fifty eight (58) students with disabilities were awarded
bursaries to cover their full costs of study including support
equipment where necessary. A total of
R 2 097 651.74
was spent on that bursary programme and the money
was made available by the National Student Financial Aid
Scheme (NSFAS).
Although our funding increases every year, the increase in
student fees and limited funding from the private sector
make the task of equitable distribution of funds among
students very difficult. The support from the private sector
is not enough. Our institution draws a large number of
students from historically disadvantaged communities
where parents are either unemployed or depend on the
government social grants. We would like to extend our
sincere gratitude to all our sponsors for their financial
support over the years.
5.9. Significant Developments and
Achievements at the Technology
Station in Chemicals (TSC)
Background about the Mut-TSC
The Technology Station in Chemicals at Mangosuthu
University of Technology (TSC) under the Technology
Stations Programme of the Technology Innovation
Agency (TIA), offers technological support and services
to industries involved or specialising in chemicals and
related operations. The scope of the TSC ranges from
SMEs to large industries and corporate establishments.
This is achieved through established relationships with
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including MUT,
students, through the TSC’s Internship programme,
scientists, and entrepreneurs who work to develop
new technological knowledge in chemical and related
disciplines. All operations are geared to encourage and
stimulate innovation amongst academics, students and
SMMEs and to develop and transfer technology thereby
participating in the economic welfare of the country. The
current priority market sectors are the following:
• Surfactants -Detergents and Disinfectants;
• Cosmetics;
• Water Management;
• Bio-Energy;
• Urban Agriculture; and
• SMME Training.
The MUT-TSC provides the following services to SMMES:
1.
Process Design and Optimisation Consulting
2.
Quality and Product Testing
3.
Demonstration and Training
4.
Technology Development and Transfer
Vision
To be the pre-eminent technology transfer support
centre that fosters socio economic advancement through
innovation, technology development and transfer.
Mission
The mission of the MUT-TSC is to contribute to sustainable
economic growth and social advancement in South Africa
by:
• Providing tailor-made technological services
and support to SMMEs and Cooperatives in the
chemicals and related industries; and
• Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation
by providing access to latest innovations and
technological developments to SMMEs and
cooperatives thereby enhancing innovation and
improving competitiveness and sustainability
amongst SMMEs and Cooperatives.
Contribution to Third Stream Income
The MUT-TSC is a self-sustaining technology development
and technology transfer centre within MUT.
During the year 2015/16 the MUT-TSC raised funds that
were utilised for its various projects, namely:
• SMMES and Cooperatives Technological support :
-
Technology Innovation Agency – R4 300 667
• WIL and skills development for Chemistry and
Chemical Engineering students:
-
Technology Innovation Agency – R490 050 for
internship (WIL)
• Bursaries to promote access to education for
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students.
Bursaries for ND –Analytical Chemistry; ND
Chemical Engineering, BTech Chemistry and BTech
Chemical Engineering.
• Chemical Industries Sector Education and Training
Authority (CHIETA) – R900 000
• Development of SMMEs and Cooperatives in the