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MUT Analytical Chemistry department wowed grade 12 leaners with a science experiment during the grade 12 Career Symposium organised by eThekwini Municipality at the Durban ICC.  Some of the learners that benefited from attending the event were Phiwayinkosi Dlamini, from Kwajabula High School, in Umbumbulu, southwest of Durban. Dlamini does Science at school. Now she knows she can confidently choose a qualification in STEM after grade 12, thanks to a Chemistry presentation by Mfundo Makhanya, a Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at MUT. Makhanya’s demonstration confirmed to the learners that studying science subjects at school was the right decision. Khethelo Makhathini from Vumandaba High School, Mfume, south of Durban, is also planning to study Science further. Makhathini wants to study Petroleum Engineering after grade 12.  Petroleum Engineering is the science and technology of extracting, producing, and exploring oil and natural gas. It is a field that uses Physics, Chemistry,

The Department of Information Technology and Networks (IT&N) has empowered staff with the necessary know-how to deal with IT-related issues without calling the department. IT&N Service Desk Supervisor, Thembeka Mkhize said they were conducting the training “to ensure that all support staff are proficient in using the HALO service desk system.” A Halo Service Desk is a cloud-based helpdesk system that helps businesses manage workflows, automate operations, and engage with customers and employees. Mkhize’s training covered creating and submitting service requests, automated categorization and prioritizing tickets, assigning them to appropriate teams, understanding ticket resolution workflow, escalation procedures, and the use of reporting. The training also included internal communication, collaboration with other departments, and keeping stakeholders informed about ticket status. The training aims to provide an understanding of the service desk. Mkhize said that the training would enhance operational efficiency and improve overall service delivery for IT resources and services. “The

The University, through the CEAD directorate, has entered a partnership with Jonoka Development Solutions to drive socio-economic development and entrepreneurship support through anchor projects which are Asset Mobilisation, Circular Economy projects, Agriculture Value Chain maximization projects and Internationalisation, as directed by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that the two parties have signed. CEAD Director, Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni said this partnership would contribute to addressing employment of MUT graduates by offering entrepreneurship skills to students while servicing the community on entrepreneurship development. Jonoka Development Solutions combines innovative project management with capacity-building expertise to drive sustainable rural, local, and township economic growth. Their innovative solutions are based on asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, helping communities solve their challenges from food security, waste management, youth development, and others. These projects were expected to expose students to hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and abilities to empower local communities while engaging in partnerships with the international community. Given

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