As we commemorate the remarkable 25th Anniversary of the Research Office, it is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that I extend my warmest congratulations to you. This Silver Jubilee is not just a reflection of time but a testament to the transformative journey shaped by your visionary leadership, boundless dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT).
When you founded the Research Office in 2000, you were not merely establishing an institution; you were igniting a beacon of hope and innovation. This journey, which began with a dream, has blossomed under your stewardship into a thriving powerhouse that resonates with scholarly impact, both nationally and internationally.
Over the past 25 years, the Research Office has celebrated landmark achievements—25 strategic milestones—each symbolising a vital step in creating a resilient and forward-thinking research ecosystem.
From pioneering research policies to launching multidisciplinary centres, you have built a foundation that amplifies our academic voice and fosters collaboration. Your vision inspired initiatives like the Research Excellence Awards and the NRF Excellence Award, sparking creativity and recognising outstanding accomplishments. By establishing programs that foster mentorship and advance knowledge creation, you’ve cultivated a robust pipeline that empowers future generations of researchers. Your commitment to diversity and equity shines brightly, exemplified by initiatives that uplift women in research, marking historic strides toward inclusive academic empowerment.
Through your advocacy for ethical governance and community engagement, you have ensured that our work remains relevant and impactful. As you embrace new horizons—like the recent launch of the Technology Transfer Office and your journey toward a Law Degree in Intellectual Property—you exemplify the integration of science and innovation, driven by a desire to benefit both researchers and society.
Your tenacity in attracting and nurturing a dedicated team has solidified the Research Office as a cornerstone of our university’s mission. Today, we celebrate not just an office but a vision—a culture of excellence intricately woven into the very fabric of MUT. We honour the exceptional leader, mentor, scholar, and innovator behind it all: you, Dr Mienie.
Your contributions are immeasurable, and your legacy will continue to inspire and empower generations to come. May this Silver Jubilee serve as both a celebration of all you have achieved and a reaffirmation of the noble purpose you have tirelessly championed.
With deep respect and admiration,
Professor Nokuthula Sibiya and the MUT Community