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The University continues to empower its student leaders with the necessary skills that will enable them to lead the students effectively. When elected to the student leadership councils at higher education, the students do not have the required skills to lead and contribute to the universities’ management. During the inauguration of the SRC last year, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, said she wanted to have leadership development sessions with the SRC. On 13-15 March 2025, Professor Sibiya followed up on her promise. She ran a leadership workshop focused on leadership strategies, student engagement, and holistic student development. The workshop included speeches, discussions, and training sessions to equip SRC members with the skills to represent and advocate for students. The workshop objectives were to strengthen leadership qualities among SRC members; encourage effective communication and engagement with students and management; discuss the importance of holistic student support; develop strategies for

From April to December 2025, the University, through the Department of Community Extension, will run a series on MUT Radio focused on topics that are all related to climate change and its effects on the food system. Climate change has a direct impact on agricultural productivity, can disrupt food supply chains, undoubtedly escalate food prices, and reduce food security for many households. Professor Xolile Mkhize of the department said the main objective of the series is to close a knowledge gap that exists between small-scale farmers, other key actors in the agri-food-value chain, and communities. Professor Mkhize emphasized that these conversations are vital as coastal cities are under threat from coastal flooding due to climate change. This has been evident in the city of Durban with many alarming incidents. Some of the topics that will be covered during this period are Food Production and Accessibility, Indigenous Knowledge, Local Innovations, Climate

On 13 March 2025, Philile Sithole, Short Course Coordinator for MUT Enterprise Development in Institutional Advancement, attended the Skills and Development Graduation for uThukela and Amajuba Districts at Ladysmith, also called UMnambithi. Sithole was invited by the Office of the MEC for the Department of Social Development (DSD) Mbali Shinga. The event was a very vibrant and engaging one, with many representatives from the Skills and Development industry. Sithole had an opportunity to network with the different stakeholders who were in attendance. Dignitaries included the DSD Minister herself, Mbali Shinga; the DSD Head, Nelisiwe Vilakazi; Khulekani Ngubane from SEDA; Christopher Ndlela, uMnambithi TVET Principal; the Speaker of the Amajuba Municipality, Councillor Bonginkosi Sithole; and others from the KZN Provincial government. This was very good exposure for MUT’s Institutional Advancement, a relatively new unit at MUT, with the newest initiative, Enterprise Development, taking off in 2025. The main aim of Enterprise

Unplanned pregnancy is a topic that is often stigmatized yet we must discuss it openly and honestly. For young people, unplanned pregnancy can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty about the future. On 13 March 2025, the Campus Health Services, in collaboration with Student Representative Council (SRC) and Housing Unit, organized a pregnancy awareness event to address students on unplanned pregnancy which is a critical issue that affects many young people in higher learning institutions. Sister Bongiwe Sithole, Health Promoter at the University’s Campus Health Services, said that according to Stats SA, 65% of pregnancies between 2015 and 2019 were unintended pregnancies, and 36% ended in abortions. “In higher learning institutions, students are at a stage in their lives where they are exploring their identities, pursuing their passions, and building their future. However unplanned pregnancy poses significant challenges to their academic, personal, and professional goals,” said Sister Sithole.

Volunteerism is still not a part of South Africa’s social fabric, yet it is one of the human traits that defines us as human beings. There is a reason for people to dedicate their time and effort to others without expecting to be paid. There is always a gap in society when this does not happen. Therefore, two MUT divisions decided to collaborate and ask students to volunteer their time and knowledge. Engaging in voluntary work provides students with a deeper understanding of what a society, at its smallest portion, is like. Usually, university students do not have any idea what happens to those not close to them. This is what was highlighted by one of the students who volunteered at a centre that houses the homeless last year. This year the CEAD and the Department of Student Affairs continued with the same project, at the same place. Dr Mfanozelwe

There is often a digital divide among first-time university students, as disparities in access to technology, digital literacy, and inclusion in remote learning can impact their academic performance. Students with limited exposure to digital tools often face additional challenges navigating digital platforms. This can hinder their engagement and success. To help address this gap, a digital skills training workshop was organised for first-year students in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. The workshop, which was held on 5 March 2025 at the University’s Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, sought to enhance the freshmen’s proficiency in essential digital technologies. The workshop was led by Dr Maseru Mkhwane, founder of Azibuye Digital Technologies. The primary goals of the workshop were to introduce students to the concepts of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to familiarize them with key digital tools critical for academic success. The content was designed

A delegation from Mangosuthu University of Technology’s (MUT) Nature Conservation department attended a crucial Waste Management Stakeholders Forum aimed at tackling pollution and waste management issues in Umlazi Township and surrounding areas. The forum, which gathered government organisations, private sector representatives, and community leaders in the waste management industry, was a significant step towards fostering collaboration for cleaner and healthier environments. The meeting, which took place at Umlazi G Section, on 6 March 2025, focused on developing strategic plans to address the growing challenge of waste management, specifically in urban communities like Umlazi. It underscored the critical need for concerted efforts from all sectors to manage waste effectively, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change. The importance of collaboration across government bodies, private companies, and local communities was emphasized as the key to achieving sustainable waste management solutions. Mangosuthu University of Technology’s commitment to environmental health and the wellbeing of its

When she decided to organise an entrepreneurship seminar for her Information Technology students, Slindile Luthuli, a Lecturer in the Department of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) wanted to grow the number of students in her department that are doing business while they are studying. One of these students is Mzamo Mbuyazi, a third-year student. Mbuyazi has a clothing business called Luminary Wear. He founded the business in 2023. Mbuyazi sells track pants, sweaters, t-shirts, hats, sidebags, hoodies, and golf shirts. “The business started as an online project. My shirt was popular. I then decided to start a business,” Mbuyazi said. He advertises on social media and is on Google Maps.  Mbuyazi’s message online is that the brand operates under the philosophy that ‘Beauty begins within yourself,’ promoting self-confidence and individuality through fashion. With a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, design, and affordability, Luminary Wear Clothing aims to provide stylish, trendy, and

On 10 March 2025, approximately 150 MUT NATESA branch members, like the rest of the Nazareth Baptist Church, acknowledged the founding of the church by Prophet Isaiah Mloyiswa Mdliwamafa Shembe, 115 years ago. Present at the gathering at the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences were NATESA national leaders Thulebona Cele, Chairperson; Qinisani Mlambo, Advisory Board Member; Nokubonga Hadebe, Treasurer; and Mlungisi Hlabisa, former Chairperson. Fanele Tembe, a member of NATESA, said they were “very happy” to have the opportunity to meet as members of the Nazareth Baptist Church, and learn about the history of their church from guest speakers like Mshumayeli Buhle Gcwensa, National Secretary General of the Nazareth Baptist Church Youth (NABACHU); Nkululeko Xaba, MUT staff member and NATESA alumni. Tembe also spoke at the event. Tembe said the purpose of the occasion was to educate one another about the establishment of the church, the arrival of its

On 13 March 2025, MUT welcomed a Premier Soccer League club, AmaZulu Football Club. The club’s Public Relations Officer, Philani Ndlela, said they came to the University to do an activation. “We also wanted to inform the students and staff that we are going to have a match with TS Galaxy on 14 March 2025 at 7.30pm, at King Zwelithini Stadium, next door to the University,” said Ndlela. Ndlela said that as a club, they know that the fans are a vital cog in the AmaZulu FC machine. The club is on seventh position in the league table. A win will catapult them to the fourth position. During the activation some lucky students won free tickets for the Mazulu vs TS Galaxy match.