On 1 November 2024, the University took a giant step towards being normal. Almost two years ago, the Institution was put under Administration, a sore point for any organisation. A giant step towards normality and stability was the installation ceremony of Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, who is the first female Vice-Chancellor to steer the 45-year-old Umlazi Township-based institution. Taking to the podium at an installation ceremony attended by dignitaries of the national government, the higher education sector, industry, clergy, staff, students and community, Professor Sibiya first thanked the University Administrator, Professor Lourens van Staden, for entrusting her with the leadership role, and the University stakeholders for their confidence and support in the decision made by the Administrator. Professor Sibiya said the day marked the beginning of a collective quest for a new plateau. “My appointment as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal comes at a pivotal moment and especially at such a crucial time when the University must embody resilience, perseverance, and unity to embark on a journey towards achieving excellence and greatness. It marks the new beginning for MUT. My vision is to transform MUT into a leading institution of higher learning, recognized for its academic excellence, innovation, and positive social impact. I see MUT as a University that fosters an inclusive and dynamic learning environment, where both staff and students are empowered to reach their highest potential. While I acknowledge that there is still room for growth and improvement, particularly in our operations, I firmly believe that through collaboration, we can transform our institution for the better,” said Professor Sibiya, immediately after taking the solemn oath of office.
Professor Sibiya appealed to staff and partners to work with her to achieve her vision, and emphasised that they needed to shift to “business unusual.” “Each of you plays a vital role in bringing stability to our University and striving for excellence across all areas of our operations. Together, as one community, we hold the power to shape a brighter future for MUT. With your commitment, I am confident that we can achieve greatness and transform our University into a beacon of excellence,” she said.
The cornerstone of Professor Sibiya’s vision was to bring changes in Research, Innovation, and Community Engagement, expand undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and enhance academic staff qualifications. Professor Sibiya spent some time talking about her appointment as the first woman, therefore, drawing an alignment to how her background and that of MUT aligns for a positive future of MUT. “Being an African woman who grew up at a ‘marginalised’ settlement of Umlazi Township, I learned to thrive amid diversity, develop and embrace an all-enduring spirit of resilience and hope. It is these strengths that I will draw from in crafting the strategy to take MUT from where it is to becoming a university of choice for students and staff”.