The drive to support student success at MUT has gained meaningful traction. Recently, a group of committed staff members contributed to the University’s newly established Endowment Fund, an initiative designed to support students at risk of deregistration due to financial constraints. In 2023 and 2024, 200 and 100 students, respectively, deregistered.
As part of this initiative, some of these staff members went on a wellness-focused excursion at Giba Gorge Nature Reserve in Pinetown, Durban. The commitment by these staff members was immense,” said Modjadji Baloyi, Institutional Advancement’s Alumni Relations Officer. “They have now become ambassadors for all our funding efforts. Each participant played a vital role in setting the tone for what we hope will become a tradition of purpose-driven connection.”
Baloyi acknowledged the contributions of staff members who supported the initiative financially, but did not go on the hike. “All supporters are part of history. Their donation to the first-ever MUT Endowment Fund secured their place in the Founder’s Circle, creating a legacy that will empower generations to come, and carry MUT into a future of limitless possibilities.”
Baloyi said the core of their efforts is that every donation, no matter how small, contributes to reducing the financial barriers students face, helping to ensure that the MUT experience is accessible to those who need it most. This collective support empowers students to stay focused, confident, and inspired on their journey toward graduation, Baloyi said, adding that the event might be a constant feature in the annual fund raining activities, because the “the concept aligns well with our strategic goals around wellness, social cohesion, and purposeful giving. Future events will incorporate more departments and faculties”.
Baloyi appealed to staff and alumni to remain involved. “The hike sparked valuable conversations around health, networking, and giving. We invite staff, alumni, and the broader University community to contribute and participate in these initiatives,” she said.
Staff members can join the Founder’s Circle by committing a monthly contribution from as little as R50 or making a once-off donation. “The Fund currently stands at R87,100, steadily approaching our first milestone of R100,000,” Baloyi confirmed.
The staff member that went on the trip were quite thrilled. Motheo Tjebane, a Lecturer in the Department of Construction Management, described the trip as “absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed it”. Tjebane said she hoped that organisers of the event had “more of such activities”.
Beyond fundraising, the Institutional Advancement Directorate aims to strengthen internal relationships, raise awareness for the #MUTualGain Campaign, and align its efforts with the university’s goals around holistic development, social responsibility, and innovative engagement.