On 29 September 2025, at the Student Centre, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, provided staff with an update on the University’s activities over the last 12 months. This annual event is called State of the University address (SOTU). Professor’s Sibiya’s address was frank; not a surprise, given what she said she would do before she was appointed to this Office. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal informed staff about successes in all divisions of the Institution. She also talked about the challenges, some of which are quite sticky and difficult to tackled, hence her call for the staff and students to band together with management and work as a team to make the load lighter.
Professor Sibiya first paid tribute to the MUT drivers who were recently gunned down, and said they were hoping for a positive outcome of the investigation. She also told staff that one of their colleagues’ life was spared when he survived an attack.
After acknowledging some staff members who have recently been appointed to senior positions – Dr Karen Lazenby, new Registrar; Bulelani Mahlangu, new CFO; and Dr Xolile Ngubane, Senior Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibiya then went straight to what was the core of her presentation – an update of what has been happening at the divisions. First was the latest on the University’s response to CHE’s institutional audit. Referring to Professor Marcus Ramogale contribution to the success of the audit, Professor Sibiya said she received news from CHE CEO, Dr Whitfield Green that the audit was a success. She thanked Professor Ramogale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, and his team for a job well done. “This accomplishment deserves our celebration with all the people who held your hand during the challenging times,” Professor Sibiya said. She also acknowledged Acting DVC: Resources and Planning, Dr Bhekabantu Ntshangase, “for the improvements we are seeing, such as the main entrance to the West Wing being so professionally repaired, to reiterate on the completed projects under your portfolio.” Interestingly, it is this very portfolio that has been leading the development of Vision 2030 under the tutelage of Dr Liile Lekena-Bayaga.
Professor Sibiya also paid tribute to Dr Anette Mienie for having led the Research Directorate well since its founding 25 years ago. Next in line were senior Directors of the Teaching and Learning Development Centre (TLDC) and the Department of Marketing and Communications, Dr Manyane Makau, and Mbali Mkhize, respectively, for the success of their annual events, the Focus Conference and the Empowered Administrators Conference, which took place recently. Professor Sibiya acknowledged the impact that the two conferences have had – putting the University on the national and international map.
Professor Sibiya also had news on students matters. She thanked the Dean of Students and all who worked with her to ensure a successful SRC election that took place on 18 September 2025. There were also two groups of students who went overseas for very different but equally important reasons. The SRC executive leadership attended a conference in Thailand; two ICT students and a graduate from the ICT department took part in a hackathon in Uzbekistan and won it. They were accompanied by the ICT Head, Dr Vikash Jugoo.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal also informed staff about positive strides taken by the academic and non-academic divisions. For instance, Professor Alfred Msomi, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, is conducting talks with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to acquire a farm where the students will do their practical work. There are also developments in the other two faculties that Professor Sibiya acknowledged. The Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Advanced Diploma was fully accredited, largely due to the efforts of the acting Dean, Dr Richard Chidzonga. The Faculty of Management Sciences has submitted three postgraduate diplomas and an advanced diploma to CHE for approval. The success of these submissions will have a telling impact on the quality of education the students will receive.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal also noted success in the infrastructure development. One of the recently completed projects was the multi-purpose sports field. This news was amplified by the mainstream media.
During her presentation to staff for her current position as part of the interview process, Professor Sibiya stated that she would lead MUT to make a mark beyond the country’s borders. In 2025, she and her team have covered a lot of ground in this area. They have been present in the USA, Europe, and some African countries, where they have signed significant agreements and participated in major meetings.
This was not a usual speech that people had to listen to and then leave. This was a family talk, which Professor Sibiya framed as a “fireside chat” that will continue in some way. Professor Sibiya, concluding her speech, requested staff to respond to the following questions, as a way of continuing with making a positive contribution to the running of the University: What is one thing you can do today to take MUT to the next level? How will you own this Vision 2030 in your role? Who will you inspire to join you on this journey?
Professor Sibiya and her executive also responded to questions from the floor. One of these questions pertained to security for both staff and students.