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The Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal has announced an outbreak of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD) in certain districts in the province, with some schools affected by the outbreak. HFMD is an infectious disease that causes blisters, sores, and rash in and around the mouth, hands, and other parts of the body. The University’s Head of Health Services, Sister Nomusa Mkhwanazi, said the symptoms appear at least three to six days after infection. The symptoms include a sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, blisters, and sores. Most people get better within seven to 14 days. HFMD is transmitted through infected body fluids like saliva, nasal secretions, and fluid from the blisters. It can also spread through droplets from sneezing and coughing, through contaminated surfaces and objects like toys, and stationary, utensils, and contaminated faecal matter. There is no specific treatment for HFMD, but symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. If

The University’s efforts at mitigating the negative effects of climate change have received a massive boost. On 19 February 2025, the University hosted a UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transition) delegation that ran a workshop on climate change-related issues. UK PACT is funded by the UK government through its International Climate Finance (ICF) portfolio. Dr Buhlebakhe Msomi, Senior Director: Operations at MUT, said the UK PACT programme is a partnership between the South African and UK governments, with key partners including NEPAD Business Foundation, Siemens, GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion), AWEaP (African Women in Energy and Power), Letsema Consulting and DHET.  The UK PACT programme is part of the development of climate action plans for South African universities. MUT is among six universities participating in this landmark project. Zama Siqalaba, NEPAD Business Foundation, said the UK and South Africa are committed to working together to accelerate climate action,

The Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying included an expert from the industry when it had its first-year student orientation on 17 February 2025, in the University’s Bozzoli Hall. Ntando Khuzwayo, Membership and Education Lead: Sub-Saharan Africa, at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), told the freshmen the advantages of being a member of the organisation. Through its membership and chartered status, the CIOB upholds integrity, competence, and leadership in the industry, contributing to the growth and improvement of the built environment worldwide, it is a gateway to finding a job. CIOB is a globally recognised professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in the construction and built environment sector. With a commitment to advancing the science and practice of building, the CIOB supports professionals through education, training, and accreditation, ensuring high industry standards. Khuzwayo’s message was that the students should develop a professional attitude from day one. It is

The MUT SWEEP Chapter has a new leadership. This leadership was elected when the SWEEP (Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme) had a two-day workshop – 11-12 February 2025, off campus. Minenhle Cele, a Marketing student, was elected MUT SWEEP Chapter Executive Committee President. Her Deputy is Anathi Cele, Human Resource Management student. Sinqobile Tshabalala, another Human Resource Management student, is the Secretary of the Executive. The other two posts – Treasurer and Public Relations, went to Thembelihle Radebe and Bonakele Mthethwa, respectively. Radebe is also a Human Resource Management student; Mthethwa is studying towards an Agriculture diploma. Nokukhanya Shezi, a Chemical Engineering student, is an additional member. MUT SWEEP’s vision is to empower women to achieve economic independence and become leaders in their communities. Its mission is to provide women with access to education, training, and economic opportunities, and to advocate for policies that promote women’s empowerment. The organisation’s 2025

Among the more than 12 432 students that have enrolled with the University, are Memela twins from Bulwer, in the west midlands,  Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal, more than 182 km from MUT. Phinda and Phila are part of the more than 3 399 new students that have joined the University. The twins have enrolled in Mechanical Engineering. Their entry to MUT was made easier by the fact that they attended Dingeka Technical School choosing relevant subjects and attaining good grades which gave them a competitive edge among the thousands of applicants who wished to enrol at MUT in 2025. Phinda said she chose Mechanical Engineering because she likes mechanical things. “Now our dreams are going to be fulfilled,” said Phinda. Phinda added that they were very happy to have gotten space at MUT. The twins stay at the main campus.

The adage ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ became so true on 8 February 2025 when major stakeholders met to have a heart-to-heart talk about the country’s young people. On this day the University welcomed more than 600 parents of newly registered students to a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya.  During the meeting that took place at the University’s Student Centre, Professor Sibiya thanked the parents for choosing to enrol their children with MUT. “We thank you for entrusting us with your children, I called the meeting to create an opportunity for you to hear the required information from the University’s departments and divisions so that there will be proper alignment to everything that is needed in the relationship between all stakeholders involved in the education of the students,” said Professor Sibiya. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal assured the parents she took their views seriously

The Dr Pixley kaSeme Hall was bursting at its seams on 10 February 2025 when the first-year students were attending their Orientation. The freshmen and women are set to have a relaxed and productive time at the university after receiving very constructive messages from the university officials. Speaker after speaker appealed to the new students, asking them to take advantage of the opportunity they have been given by landing a place at MUT. In contrast, thousands of others who have passed grade 12 could not get in, particularly because of limited places at the country’s higher education institutions. Among the speakers was Professor Marcus Ramogale, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching. Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, Professor Ramogale impressed upon the young students a need to make the right decisions that would not only carry them through their stay at the University but will

To improve Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement opportunities for MUT Department of Agriculture students, Dr Karabo Molomo, a Senior Lecturer in the department, initiated a meeting with the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, to revive the placements of students at the department’s research farms in Cedara, Dundee and Kokstad. The meeting was held at the MEC’s office in the Durban city centre on 6 February 2025. During the discussions, the MEC committed to providing WIL placements and funding for students. Dr Molomo also mentioned the issue of MUT not having a farm where students can conduct practical training, and the MEC indicated her department’s willingness to partner with MUT to acquire the farm. Dr Molomo said that in fostering this partnership, the MEC and the Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Professor Alfred Msomi, and the Head of the Department, Dr Farayi Murungu,

On 13 February 2025, the University’s radio station joined the rest of the world and celebrated the annual World Radio Day. The day was designated by UNESCO in 2011, to celebrate radio broadcasts, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio, including community radio stations.  The 2025 World Rady Day theme is: ‘A century informing, entertaining and educating’. For its part in the celebrations, the MUT Radio lined up a fantastic programme, which one of the authorities described as a “great programme”. All its shows incorporated the elements of climate change education and awareness. The Vuk’ubangene Breakfast Show, which runs from 7am to 10am, aired from Umlazi Senior Secondary School located at V-section. Before the start of the show, Awethu Kelese, MUT Radio Programmes Manager, and Head of News, addressed the learners of the school, telling them about the importance

During the visit to Umlazi Senior Secondary School, the MUT team also used the opportunity to pass on a very important message – choosing the right streams to prepare for an easy transition to university. Lindokuhle Mdladla, an Intern at Marcomms, impressed upon the learners the importance of choosing the right study streams and dealing correctly with the application process. “You must have an email that is working. Please check your email every day so you do not miss the responses,” said Mdladla after telling the learners that they need to look out for the opening and closing dates and apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) online only. Lumka Ndamase, a grade 12 learner, said she learnt that all high school subjects are important and that one needs to work hard to obtain good matric results. The address to the learners was appreciated by the school’s Principal, Brenda Zuma.