“Is there any of you who does not want to succeed?” No one! This question will linger among University students who have just enrolled for the 2026 academic year. It was asked by Professor Marcus Ramogale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning and the UK’s University of Nottingham alumnus. Professor Ramogale, a teacher by profession and a teacher by nature, was addressing the freshmen at the University’s iconic Dr Pixley Seme Hall on 3 February 2026 during the First-Year Orientation programme. Professor Ramogale’s message was that students must understand that success results from a conscious decision supported by the right actions. “The urge to succeed is natural. God wants us to succeed,” said Professor Ramogale. He explained the difference between a University of Technology and a traditional University. His point was that students who choose MUT as the place where they will assemble their future have made the right decision.
Professor Ramogale referred to Napoleon Hill’s ‘Law of Success’, a seminal book that is a must-read for people from all backgrounds. Professor Ramogale listed and explained eight principles that determine success, as Hill outlined in his book. “You can only succeed if you take responsibility for your life, for both success and failure,” said Professor Ramogale, adding that the whole of South Africa must heed this principle. The DVC: Teaching and Learning said it was important to have a definite purpose, “otherwise you are going nowhere. Make sure you are not derailed in your purpose”. Professor Ramogale told the students that at the university, “no one is going to supervise you. Do not let anyone distract you; say no,” and added that some students come to the university to be politicians. He said those students who want to be politicians must ‘go to Cape Town”.
Continuing with his lifetime message, Professor Ramogale said that it was important for a person who wants to succeed to “create a mastermind alliance. Have like-minded people around you. Choose your friends carefully. This will create a third mind, called synergy”.
The new students also benefited from presentations from other University staff. One of these was the Registrar, Dr Karen Lazenby. Dr Lazenby explained what her office does and how it relates to their studies. The deans of the faculties welcomed the new students and told them what their faculties do. There were also presentations on how the students should behave and what to do when facing problematic situations. The orientation took place from 3 to 4 February 2026.