Quality Management Directorate (QMD)

Message from the Director

Welcome to the Quality Management Directorate (QMD) at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). At MUT, quality is not simply a compliance requirement; it is a shared institutional responsibility and a commitment to excellence, transformation, accountability, and continuous improvement. We strive to cultivate a quality culture that supports teaching and learning, research, community engagement, and efficient service delivery. We play a strategic role in strengthening institutional effectiveness through quality assurance, quality promotion, monitoring, evaluation, and enhancement initiatives. Through evidence-based decision-making and collaborative engagement, we support the University’s vision of becoming a responsive, innovative, and high-performing institution.

Aligned with MUT’s Strategic Plan 2026 – 2030, we remain committed to improving student success, strengthening governance, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing a digitally enabled and evidence-informed environment. These goals require collective effort, innovation, and a shared commitment from all stakeholders.

We value our partnerships with students, academic departments, support divisions, administrative units, and external stakeholders who contribute to our continuous improvement journey. Together, we can strengthen institutional performance, enrich the student experience, and sustain a culture of excellence.

Together, let us ignite excellence, promote a quality culture that transforms, and shape the future of MUT.

Director: Quality Management
Quality Management Directorate

About the Quality Management Directorate

The QMD is the institutional coordinating structure of quality assurance and continuous enhancement at MUT. Aligned with the IGNITE 2030 Strategic Plan, the Directorate advances institutional excellence, innovation, accountability, and impact across academic and support functions.

In support of institutional effectiveness and good governance, QMD implements integrated quality management systems that strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance accountability, and support evidence‑based decision‑making. The Directorate promotes continuous improvement that is responsive to institutional and national priorities.

To advance academic excellence and relevance, the Directorate oversees and supports:
- Programme accreditation for new and existing offerings
- Programme and thematic reviews
- Quality assurance support for professional body accreditation
In support of student success and graduate impact, QMD coordinates:
- Institutional Module Surveys
- Annual Graduate Surveys
- Systematic reviews and audits to safeguard assessment integrity.
Guided by the principles of collaboration, innovation, and societal impact, the QMD coordinates institution-wide quality-related initiatives. These include regulatory and statutory projects involving bodies such as the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and various professional bodies. Collectively, these initiatives reinforce MUT’s commitment to producing socially conscious and technologically agile graduates who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and broader societal advancement.

Our Mandate

The QMD is responsible for strengthening institutional quality through the following key functions:

Promoting the culture of quality across the university
Promoting compliance with Quality Assurance Systems;
Developing and monitoring the implementation of quality assurance policies, procedures and other quality-related documents;
Monitoring the implementation of strategic priorities through appropriate review processes;
Participating in institutional planning;
Preparing for Institutional Audits;
Facilitating Institutional links with the HEQC;
Provide strategic quality-related guidance to academic and support departments;
Conducting programme reviews;
Providing quality-related support for programme development;
Providing quality-related support for the approval and (re)accreditation process of academic programmes and short courses;
Conducting departmental evaluations (Support and Academic Departments);
Providing quality-related support to academic and support departments in developing and implementing improvement plans;
Conduct module and graduate surveys;
Assisting the institution in the preparation for institutional audits;
Facilitating capacity development in the field of quality assurance;
Coordinating and participating in external quality audits conducted by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) and relevant professional bodies; and
Conducting capacity development quality enhancement programmes that build institutional capability and ensure all units understand their role in ensuring quality.

Meet our Team

Dr Phiwayinkosi Gumede
Director: Quality Management
Tel: 031 907 7504 | Email: siphiweg@mut.ac.za

Dr Gumede holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has over 20 years of experience in higher education. His career spans a range of academic, academic development, and academic leadership roles, including Lecturer, Quality Assurance Officer, Deputy Director, and Acting Senior Director in different divisions and institutions. Prior to joining higher education, Dr Gumede gained valuable experience in both government and non-governmental organisations.

Mrs Ncamsile Mkhize
Departmental Secretary
Tel: 031 907 7504 | Email: mnguni@mut.ac.za

Mrs Mkhize holds a Bachelor of Technology in Human Resource Management and a National Diploma in Human Resource Management from Mangosuthu University of Technology. Her professional journey at the University began in 2011 when she served as an intern in the Human Resource Development Department. In her current role, she provides administrative support to the Directorate and helps to ensure the efficient coordination of departmental activities and office operations.

Mrs Nozuko Mbutho
Quality Assurance Officer
Tel: 031 819 9216 | Email: mbutho.nozuko@mut.ac.za

Mrs Mbutho is a Quality Assurance Officer. She holds a Master of Education specialising in Higher Education and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education. With 16 years of experience in the higher education sector, she has served in roles including Academic, Quality Promotion Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer. Her professional experience includes lecturing, clinical practice, student supervision, and quality assurance, providing her with a broad and well-rounded perspective on higher education.

Mr Edgar Samkange
Quality Assurance Officer
Tel: 031 907 7116 | Email: edgarts@mut.ac.za

Mr Samkange is a Quality Assurance Officer. He holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Fort Hare and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology from the University of Cape Town. With over 16 years of experience in higher education, he specialises in student and staff development, quality management systems, and continuous improvement initiatives. His work supports institutional effectiveness, compliance, development, and academic excellence through collaborative quality assurance across academic processes.

Mrs Thobile Zikhathile
Quality Assurance Officer
Tel: 031 819 9216 | Email: thobile@mut.ac.za

Mrs Zikhathile holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of South Africa and is currently completing a PhD in Environmental Science. She has 20 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in teaching, curriculum development, programme accreditation, quality assurance, assessment, moderation, and research supervision. Prior to joining academia, she gained valuable experience in the public health sector where she was involved in disease surveillance, policy implementation, and compliance monitoring.

Mrs Nompumelelo Bhengu
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 031 907 7515 | Email: mpumzah@mut.ac.za

Mrs Bhengu holds a Bachelor of Technology in Public Management from the Durban University of Technology and a National Diploma in Public Management and Economics from Mangosuthu University of Technology. Her professional experience spans quality management, student support services, and legal administration. She previously served as a Financial Aid Assistant at the University and, prior to joining Mangosuthu University of Technology, worked as a Legal Administration Officer with experience in litigation support, contract management, and corporate compliance administration.

Mrs Vuyisile Xulu
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 031 907 7514| Email: vuyisile@mut.ac.za

Mrs Xulu holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Office Management Technology from the Durban University of Technology. With over 20 years of experience in the higher education sector, she has developed extensive expertise in administrative and academic support. Her career spans a range of roles, including Tutorial Assistant, Academic Secretary, and Administrative Assistant, reflecting her strong commitment to academic administration and quality support within higher education institutions.

Our Services

Programme Development

The QMD supports faculties by quality assuring new and amended academic programmes. Following internal approval through the University’s statutory structures, QMD facilitates their inclusion in the Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), accreditation by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC), and registration with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Student and Graduate Surveys

To enhance the quality of learning and teaching, QMD conducts structured module surveys to gather meaningful student feedback. The resulting reports assist academics in identifying and addressing areas where students experience challenges. In addition, QMD administers an annual graduate survey during the graduation period to capture graduates’ reflections on their overall learning experience at MUT. This feedback informs curriculum relevance, skills alignment, and continuous programme improvement.

Quality Reviews

QMD conducts internal review processes for academic departments (programme reviews) and support units. These self-evaluation‑based reviews assess effectiveness, efficiency, compliance, and impact in relation to institutional standards and strategic priorities. Review panels, consisting of internal and external peers, evaluate the self‑evaluation reports and undertake site visits before producing formal review reports with commendations and recommendations. The outcomes inform Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) and targeted management interventions aimed at strengthening performance and service delivery.

Change of Assessment Marks Audits

To ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance in assessment practices, MUT maintains a formal system for managing and reporting changes to assessment marks. All mark amendments on the Integrated Tertiary Software (ITS) system are approved by a designated academic leader before implementation. In addition, Change of Assessment Marks audits are conducted quarterly to strengthen assessment integrity and uphold academic standards.

Institutional Audits

QMD coordinates the development of the Self‑Evaluation Report (SER) in preparation for external quality audits conducted by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC). Audit panels issue findings and recommendations, which are incorporated into institutional improvement plans and systematically monitored to ensure effective implementation, continuous improvement, and quality enhancement.

Quality Policies Repository

Quality Assurance Policy
Monitoring and Evaluation of Learning and Teaching Policy
Academic Programme Development Policy

Quality Strategies and Guidelines

Quality Assessment Strategy 2026 – 2030
Programme Review Manual

Resources and Downloads

Templates
- Programme Development
  - New Programme Development – PD Form 1 v1
  - Internal Programme Approval Template – PD Form 2 v1
  - Amendment of Existing Programme – PD Form 3 v1
  - Quality Improvement Plan

- Changes in Assessment Marks
  - Approved Procedures for capturing and changing of assessment marks
  - Assessments Mark Change Form – Whole Class
  - Assessments Mark Change Form – Individual