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True to his inaugural speech as a Chancellor in 2023, Sandile Zungu, has maintained his respect for the culture of MUT, which is “unique and pertinent to the MUT brand”. At this year’s graduation ceremonies, the Chancellor was the first one to ask about the last dance, (LADA) and it was no surprise that he was always the last man standing on the dance floor during the graduation ceremonies. In essence, MUT graduations bring out the best in everyone. They are a celebration of life; life spent at MUT and being a part of MUT. Zungu has now reinvigorated this spirit of the celebration of life by adding a Hebbeeee moment just before he concludes the ceremony, “Hebeee uSuthu” has become the new addition to end graduation just before the last dance. Zungu may not realise how inspirational he is to graduates, spending his week at MUT attending graduations and

The 3051 MUT graduates and thousands of parents and guardians that filled the iconic Seme Hall at the University’s main campus from 16-19 April 2024, are to benefit from informative messages from the University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Marcus Ramogale, who described graduation as a “high point” in the life of a student because it is an investment to secure the future.  The students graduated from diploma to Master’s level. The parents and guardians came to MUT to witness their children going through an important rite of passage, graduating with a degree or diploma. Addressing both parents and graduates at this annual event, Professor Ramogale gave them useful information as to how they need to navigate the tough times that hold out many promises but usually deliver a string of disappointments. There is always hope that a graduate will land a job. Coupled with this are stories of graduates,

Mthokozisi Khuzwayo, recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award, in the Faculty of Management Sciences, credits his performance to the plan he had for his studies. Mthokozisi, who graduated with his Diploma in Human Resources Management on the first day of a four-day graduation ceremony – 16-19 April 2024, received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for his grand performance. This was a long-term plan; a student who receives such an award must have a good track record from the first year. Mthokozisi had the necessary discipline. “Attending lectures and being up to date with my work helped me a lot.  Since my first year, I always told myself that I came to the University to study. After attending my classes during the day, I made sure that I did not go to bed before my self-study time,” said Mthokozisi from Inanda, Durban. Mthokozisi also devoted time to his assignments. “I tended to be a

The multitudes of parents and guardian, among what they wil be taking from MUT after attending the 2024 graduation that took place from 16-19 April, is a  story of Asanda Nosihle Andiswa Mavundla, the best student in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. For this toil, Asanda received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award. Explaining how she achieved this feat, Asanda said she set “realistic” goals for herself, and created a plan that would enable her to achieve these goals. “I avoided doing assignments last minute.  I am generally a hard worker and very dedicated to do every task the best way possible. I did my utmost best,” she said. Asanda also said she worked with other students and communicated with those ahead of her about her studies. “I was not afraid to ask when I was not sure about something.” Asanda said whenever she had a test coming , she made sure she

One of the highlights of the 2024 graduation ceremony was that the best student in the Faculty of Engineering was a female student, who received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award. Nontobeko Timamu from KwaMsane, Mtubatuba, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, said she was able to achieve this milestone because of hard work. “I managed to achieve good grades through hard work and dedication. I was fortunate enough to find students who were as dedicated as me, and we formed a study group and named it FOCUS because we were that focused.” Nontobeko, a first graduate in her family, wanted to make them proud and also show them that only the sky is the limit.  “My classmates and I motivated each other to study and I always made sure my university work came first. I remember there were days when I would cross-night on campus when it was examination season. I had no other option

The Faculty of Engineering also saw a student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering earning a South African Institute of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMMechE) Meritorious Award. There is one word to describe Siphesihle Khumalo’s life at MUT as a student – consistency. Siphesihle’s academic performance was scoring an average of 75% or more per semester, from the first year. For the last semester, Siphesihle obtained an average of 78%. He said he was very excited about this achievement.  “It shows my hard work and dedication has paid off,” he said. ”  Siphesihle hails from Phongolo, in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Faresa Londolanani Makhuvha graduated with her Diploma in Accounting. She chose to travel 956.8 kilometres, from Tshitereke, Limpopo, to register with MUT. There were other post-matric schools in the country, many closer to home. On 17 April 2024, Faresa was joined by family, who traveled the same distance. All clad in their traditional attires, and conversing in their home language, they all posed for a picture. The Founder of the University, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi would have been proud. This is the very reason he founded the Institution 45 years ago. Prince Buthelezi wanted everyone to benefit from his ideas. Faresa said it was prayer that saw her through her evening studies. Faresa’s story is an example of commitment and resolve. This is typical of students who come from afar; the long distance has a positive effect on them. “I do not have a study method other than starting my session

The MUT graduation never has a dull moment. Right at the outset, the happy graduands, parents, and the academic procession join in the graduation excitement through song and dance culminating in the LADA.  The LADA was introduced in 2011 by Professor Marcus Ramogale and embraced by the University as a family tradition that everyone looks forward to each year.  “Even myself, I can’t stay away from the MUT graduations. They bring positive vibes and if you are like me with Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) there is no way you would miss out”, said Sandile Dlamini, former MUT SRC President and Former MUT President of Convocation. “I just had to come and be a part of the celebrations although I am not attending as an office bearer”, he said.

In a gesture that shows Professor Marcus Ramogale’s kindness and humility, he expressed his support to the Nzama family when the last of his Officer Adminsitratror, Ritta Nzama’s children, graduated with a Diploma in Building. For Nzama and her family, the day was just a normal graduation day. However, to her surprise she was informed that the Vice-Chancellor and Principal wished to see her at the executive holding room. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, requested her to allow her family where he presented her with a cake as part of his appreciation. Meant to be a small acknowledgement of achievements by a staffer’s son, the gesture meant a lot to all the family members and some executive managers.

Everything is in a state of readiness as the University prepares to welcome thousands of parents and other interested stakeholders to a four-day annual graduation ceremony that will take place at its iconic Seme Hall, from 16-19 April 2024. These stakeholders and the University staff, and its Chancellor, Mr Sandile Zungu, will witness 3051 students graduating. The bulk of these students will be from the Faculty of Management Sciences – 1315, with Mthobisi Khuzwayo, from the Department of Human Resources Management, receiving a Vice-Chancellor’s Award.  The Faculty of Engineering will graduate 1227 graduates; Nontobeko Timamu from the Department of Building, will receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award. Lastly is the Faculty of Natural Sciences, which will graduate 509 students. Asanda Mavundla, from the Department of Community Extension, will receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award. This is a four-day event and will have two sessions a day. Lizwi Masondo, the University’s Safety, Health, and Environment