News

While multitudes of grade 12 learners and their parents are holding their collective breath as they keenly wait for the release of their results on 14 January 2025, the University continues with the preparations for the first semester registration for the 2025 academic year. As of the end of last year, the University had received 103 483 applications for the 3223 places for the first-year students. The Head of the Academic Administration, Xolani Kunene, has again appealed to the prospective students to adhere to all applicable guidelines so their application and registration process runs smoothly. Kunene reminded the learners that registration will be from 27 January to 7 February. Only learners who have accepted offers can register. “Learners can visit  www.cao.ac.za student portal and click on registration. Learners and parents and guardians can contact the University by calling its Admission Call Centre – 031 819 9299 during office hours, which are 8am

This week, as has become the case, the Department of Marketing and Communications delivered the wall calendars and copies of the Year Planner, and other publications to the family of the University Founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. The calendars were delivered to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi Museum and Documentation Centre (PMBMDC) at Ulundi on 8 January 2025. The department makes this 254 kilometres, three hours and ten minutes trip every year to show the University’s gratitude towards the Buthelezi family. Zama Sishi, Acting Senior Director of the department said there are other reasons why they take this epic journey every January. “The Buthelezi family is continuing to support MUT even after the passing of HRH, Prince Buthelezi. This is a clear indication that they understand their father’s vision, which was to empower the nation through education. We are showing our appreciation of this continuing support by maintaining the relationship with the family

As true partners in the effort to empower their communities, the Acting Senior Director: Marketing and Communications, Zama Sishi, and staff from Iqraa Trust met to discuss a very important and touchy issue – the retirement of the Trust’s CEO, Dr Yousouf Baker. Iqraa Trust is a non-profit organisation located in Durban. The Trust has aided with humanitarian programmes and projects designed to alleviate the effects of poverty for several stakeholders of MUT as part of the long-term partnership between the two institutions.  Next month Iqraa Trust will host a retirement celebration to honour the great work of Dr Baker, who founded Iqraa Trust more than 30 years ago.  As a strategic partner, MUT will work with the Trust to ensure a worthy event for the great philanthropist. Bheki Hlophe, a staff member of the department who familiar with the relationship between MUT and the Iqraa Trust, and who described

On 2 December 2024, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) visited the University to share its multibillion-rand expansion programme and invited the University to partner with it, so they can “look into the future together”, said one of the members of the delegation.  The proposed partnership could go a long way in giving not only the University staff and students information but also allowing the Umlazi Township community to understand how TNPA works, and how they could benefit, as Dr Connie Israel, the Executive Director: Institutional Advancement (IA), suggested. Selvan Pillay, TNPA Programme Manager, made a presentation where he explained in detail Transnet’s expansion plans for the Durban harbour to be rolled out soon.  The TNPA master plan is expected to create more than 570 000 job opportunities. The discussions between the two parties revealed that they both would benefit from the partnership. The main plan is to tap into each other’s

MUT’s Research directorate’s Deputy Director: Intellectual Property, Dr Mandla Hlongwane, has reported that the University has joined forces with the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and six other universities to launch the Entrepreneurship Venture Builder (EVB), a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Africa. The EVB is committed to empowering entrepreneurs from Universities of Technology (UoTs), Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDI), and marginalised communities. Dr Hlongwane said the programme would provide a comprehensive support system to guide participants in transforming innovative business ideas into successful businesses. At a recent gathering of the founding members, Professor Michael Twum-Darko, the EVB Manager, said: “We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for entrepreneurs to flourish in the African market.” The other founding members include the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Durban University of Technology (DUT), University of Venda (Univen), Tshwane University of Technology

The University’s popularity with high school learners continues to grow. So far, the University has received 103 483 applications for the 2025 academic year, for its 3223 places for new students. A total of 1 624 places have been taken; only 1 599 are left. These figures are now part of the planning for the registration for the 2025 academic year, which is progressing well, according to the registration preparatory meeting that took place on 10 December 2024. Out of the 103 483 applicants, most chose the Diploma in Information Technology: Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP). The Head of the Academic Administration department, Xolani Kunene, said they were giving offers to applicants who already have final matric results. Both students and parents who have queries regarding the MUT registration should contact the University via its call centre on 031 81 9299, or e-mail info@mut.ac.za The meeting also discussed safety-related issues, particularly scammers who are busy

Nomfundo Hlongwa, an Administrative Assistant, and a rising researcher, from the MUT’s Teaching and Learning Development Centre, (TLDC) presented her first scientific conference paper at the Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD) Annual Scientific Conference that took place at the University of the Western Cape, on 4 December 2024. Hlongwa’s presentation: “Student and Lecturer Perspectives on the Use of Generative AI in Assessments: An Explorative Study,” delved into the transformative potential and challenges of integrating Generative AI (GenAI) in higher education, particularly within Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) in South Africa.  The Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD) Annual Scientific Conference is a prestigious event that brings together academics, researchers, and professionals from the Southern African and Nordic regions. The conference aims to foster multilateral academic cooperation and address sustainable development goals through joint research, education, and other relevant activities.  SANORD conferences are known for their impactful discussions and the developing of actionable strategies to

Although her team did not win the USSA tournament, Anele Miya, a first year Civil Engineering student, laid a firm foundation for the MUT Ladies Football team to win the Bronze medal in the annual USSA Games that took place in Central University of Technology (CUT), from 25-30 November 2024. Miya, from Ixopo, in the inner south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, accounted for three goals out of the eight that the team scored in the whole tournament. Miya scored the only goal in the first match against Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU); she also scored against Vaal University of Technology (VUT) when her team won 2-0. The other goal was scored by Nondumiso Ngcongo. Miya, who also plays for the Lindelani Ladies FC, also found the back of the net in their 2-1 semi-final loss against Sol Plaatje University (SPU).  Other MUT goal scorers were Nompumelelo Nkabini, who scored two

The University sports managers have again done the Institution proud by winning accolades at different venues that hosted the annual USSA Games, much to the excitement of the Deputy Director of the Sport department, Siyabulela Mkwalo, who said they were happy that their teams met their targets. Mthokozisi Xaba was named the ‘Best Male Manager’. Xaba manged the MUT football team at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in the Northen Cape, from 2-7 December 2024. Nosipho Nyembe, again became the ‘Best Female Coach’. Nyembe went to Walter Sisulu University (WSU) with MUT boxers who performed very well. Team Captain, Ngilosi Nkosi (60kg) won gold, having fought four fights; Thanduxolo Ngobese (60kg) defended her title in her only fight. The two MUT boxers are now USSA National Champions. Samkelo Duma (57kg) won silver from his four fights. Nduduzi Hadebe (54kg), and Khanya Nyakombi (57kg) won bronze each from their three and two

During the day that has become a day of both serious and relaxed messages, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya gave staff an update on several issues, particularly those that happened in the current year. Professor Sibiya first asked staff to remember those students who lost their lives this year. There are more than 10 of those students, even before the end of the year, Professor Sibiya said. Professor Sibiya also asked staff to pay tribute to their fellow colleagues who passed away this year. “May their souls rest in peace,” she said. Reminding staff that the event’s theme was ‘resilience and renewal, shaping and owning the future’, Professor Sibiya gave several reasons for the University to celebrate. According to the first female Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Institution, MUT has achieved a lot this year. “I am filled with pride about the milestones we achieved