GRADUATION EDITION - JUNE 2013 - Mangosuthu University of ...
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J U N E 2 0 1 3
G R A D U A T I O N E D I T I O N
M UT NEWSLETTER
CONTENTS > From the Registrar, Mr Mike Naidoo 01- 02 > Celebrating Graduation, Prof. Mashupye Ratale Kgaphola Introductory speech at graduation 2013 03 - 07 > From the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Marcus Ramogale Introducing 2013 MUT Honorees 08 - 12 > Graduation key note speakers: One message, one prospective workforce 13 - 22 > MUT graduates are “fashionistas” 24 > Jiyane’s music career goes from strength to strength 25 Acknowledgement Managing Editor : Mbali Mkhize Writers : Zama Sishi, Mbali Mkhize, Lisa Mbongwa & Bheki Hlophe Editors : Bongeka Gumede, Zama Sishi & Bheki Hlophe Layout and design : www.twotone.co.za (011)444 4313
From the Registrar, Mr Mike Naidoo
It has become a norm that our graduation ceremonies get
better, year after year. Year 2013 was testimony to this fact.
It has become a norm that our graduation ceremonies It was no surprise that we received messages of
get better, year after year. Year 2013 was testimony appreciation from all sectors of our community,
to this fact. As usual, the planning for the project thanking us for the way all four sessions of the
commences months ahead. It involves a series of graduation ceremonies were conducted. We also had
planning sessions with various stakeholders from immediate positive feedback through social media.
ground staff right up to the Chancellor’s Office. We
assemble teams for specific duties from all required For the first time we graduated more than 2000
01
units; the Protection Services, the Department of students. It is worth mentioning that the number of
Marketing and Communications, Maintenance, students who graduate in the Faculty of Engineering
Examinations, all operate under my guidance as is growing steadily. This is no longer a field of study
Registrar. regarded as an exclusive domain of male students.
To the students who graduated, on behalf of their
We also hold meetings with external service beloved University, I would like to say we were glad
providers like photographers, caterers, and even the to have you as our students, now we are requesting
South African Police Services, through our Protection you to continue the relationship with MUT as our
Services. When the graduation, which was held alumni. Keep knocking on those doors, you may
over three days, arrived, we were ready. More than eventually get the job you have worked so hard for.
10 000 people, including guests from industry and Wherever you are, always look around and see if there
main speakers and honorees, came to celebrate the is someone you can help; helping another human
achievement of our students. being takes courage and commitment.
To all the parents who supported our students from start To our honorees and keynote speakers, we benefited
to finish, MUT says thank you! We know that you sacrifice greatly from your presence and all the words you
a lot to get your children through education. That you, uttered. You are beacons of hope to all those who are
and your children chose Mangosuthu University of yet to get jobs, particularly our young graduates. Your
Technology as a place to study, will always be a pleasing messages were not just powerful, but were also real.
memory to us. You will always remain our firm source of Now our students know that making it in the world of
connection with the rest of our community. work requires courage and dedication. You all showed
leadership in your speeches.
To us you are not just parents. You are friends, brothers,
and sisters who are partners in the eternal struggle to Thank you, and thank you again.
make our country better through education. Thank you MUT loves you ALL!
and thank you again.
You are beacons of hope to
all those who are yet to get
jobs, particularly our young
graduates. Your messages
were not just powerful, but
were also real.
Well done Mr Maphumulo!
Mr Naidoo capping a colleague who did IT
02
Here you go! The Registrar capping a graduate
Parents’ support is one of our foundations
Celebrating graduation
VC, Prof. Mashupye Ratale Kgaphola
Prof. Mashupye Ratale Kgaphola, Vice-Chancellor
Introductory speech at graduation 2013
n March this year our University published a Graduate Survey Report
based on the opinions of the graduates of 2012. The aim of the survey
was to establish “….the perceptions and suggestions of graduates on
a range of issues relating to their teaching and learning experiences at
Mangosuthu University of Technology”.
In 2012 we had a total of 1873 graduates from across had helped them to acquire skills necessary to
our three faculties, 58% of whom participated in our function well in their chosen fields;
survey. The objectives of the survey included the
following: • Again the same number of graduates, 81%,
felt that the University had stimulated the zeal
• To ascertain graduates’ preparedness for employment; to study further, even though it was noted that
•To establish the preparedness and employment profile only 35% of the graduates had progressed to a
of graduates; Bachelor of Technology degree at the time of the
• To establish the further study profile of graduates; and survey;
• To understand the overall impression of the education
and training that the University provides. • About 74% of graduates felt that the academic
programmes enabled them to use information
Some of the key trends that were established and communication technology (ICT) skills;
from the survey are the following:
• Overall, an encouraging 83% of graduates
• At the time of graduation, 39% of graduates were satisfied with their study experience at MUT.
had already secured employment; 2% were self- However, we also noted from the survey that the
03 employed and 45% were unemployed. About graduates raised a number of areas in which the
14% did not respond to the question relating University needs to improve, and these include
to employment. Engineering graduates had the the following:
highest rate of initial employment, at 45%;
• Physical resources;
• Most graduates, 81%, were confident that the • Human Resources;
University had helped them to acquire the • Work-Integrated Learning; and
knowledge necessary for them to be efficient in • Curriculum design and delivery;
their respective jobs.
About the same percentage felt that the University
At a general level, our 2012 graduates also We had initially projected that we would complete
listed the following “wishes”: these projects in 2012, but due to a number of technical
• Staff and students should minimise strike action; factors, our completion date has since been extended
• Political involvement should be minimised; and to the vacation of June/July 2013.
• Fee increases should be communicated well in advance
to avoid student strikes. • In 2012, MUT was awarded a total of R257.8 million for
a number of infrastructure projects that include student
While we cannot claim that this impression gives the residences, engineering laboratories, a student centre,
total picture, nonetheless it is reasonable to accept research laboratories, disability infrastructure, and
that it gives us at least a glimpse of what our students project management.
are generally experiencing during their stay at the
University. The University is currently busy with plans to implement
the latter projects, and we are certain that once
We take the trouble of sharing these impressions not completed in about two years’ time, these projects will
because we think there is much for us to boast about, change the face of MUT beyond recognition.
but mainly to illustrate that we take seriously the views
of our students with regard to curriculum and extra Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
curricula activities, and processes and programmes on
campus. We believe that the feedback from students • Until fairly recently, our students who needed
will help us improve so that we can ultimately achieve placement in industry as part of fulfilling their
our vision of becoming a pre-eminent University of requirements for a qualification were finding it difficult
Technology. Indeed, we have already begun to work on to get companies that were willing to accommodate
some of the issues that our past graduates have pointed them.
out to us. I will just mention the following examples as
illustrations:
Very Eco- friendly! The Natural sciences Lab Mr Des Mack, Director of Co-operative Education
• As a result of a concerted effort made by the University,
Infrastructure our students are now finding industry more welcoming.
As confirmation of this, we have just done a review of
Starting in 2010, we have been undertaking a our performance in this area and we established that in 04
systematic review of our infrastructure provision. As a 2012 we were able to place at least 89% of our qualifying
result of this exercise, we have been able to develop students with industry.
coherent infrastructure plans and made compelling
funding requests to government. Government has since • On a related note, I am grateful to the Directorate of
awarded MUT grant funding for the following projects, Cooperative Education that from 9 to 10 May we shall
starting in 2011: be hosting a second Career Fair here on campus, which
further attests to the strides that MUT is making in
• In 2011, we were given R25 million to improve the terms of constructive engagements with industry. More
state of our lecture theatres, erect social spaces for than 40 companies took part in the fair last year. After
students, and develop our Campus Master Plan. last year’s Career Fair, three companies came back to
interview students within two weeks.
• Transnet started interviews on the Monday after Equally, it is our position that any political activity
the Careers Fair and appointed 30 students. on campus must respect the ethos of our national
• CONCO and VWSA came back after a few weeks constitution that call for political tolerance, respect
and recruited 15 and 16 students respectively. of the rights to freedom of speech and association,
etc.
Those of our graduates here today who may
not have found employment yet should make • I take the time to emphasize the subject of
enquiries with the University to see what political tolerance and respect for the educational
companies are coming and if possible maybe mandate of the University especially now that we
consider coming to the next Career Fair. are one year away from the next national elections.
It is common knowledge that our campus went
through a painful experience in the recent past,
Curriculum design and delivery and our anxious plea is informed by that painful
and even expensive history. Just to illustrate the
• Our graduates will be interested to know cost of political disruptions to the University:
that MUT has taken a number of concrete
steps towards creating institutional capacity in • In 2009, we spent over R2.5million in a period
curriculum development. The main breakthrough of about two months on security and auditors to
in this regard is that we have created a Teaching manage a dispute over SRC elections;
and Learning Development Centre that we are
currently busy staffing. • In February/March 2013, we spent over
R500,000 in just one week to deal with a class
• We have also already worked on a number of disruption that was caused by some unruly
postgraduate programmes that we are submitting students who apparently had some mandate from
to national regulatory bodies for approval. In people outside the institution to fight battles that
addition, we are busy revising the curriculum in were not even their own; and
a number of programmes in line with national
policy developments. • I must underscore here that we suffered an even
bigger cost as a result of these disruptions because
• We have decided to introduce programmes in our core academic activities were derailed, leading
Maritime Studies within the next year or two at ultimately to many students failing or performing
the latest, focusing mainly on the engineering and below their abilities, and some even losing their
logistics aspects of the maritime sector. This will be bursaries as a result.
a huge step for our young university, and we will
depend in part on the support that we get from
key stakeholders in industry and government for
our success.
Politics, staff and student strikes
05
• At the outset it has never been our agenda
as MUT management and even our Council to
make MUT a no-go zone for political activity. Our
stance, however, is that MUT is first and foremost
an educational institution that is charged with
developing for our nation new generations of
leaders through impartation of skills in various
areas of human endeavour, including some basic
skills in leadership and community building. In this
“Working with everyone is bringing us good results.” VC
context, it is our position that any political activity
on campus must be subordinated to the primary
mandate of the University as a site of educational
activity.
I do not believe that as a nation we should accept these kinds of
costs being levied on our young people. Surely there must be better
ways to contest the political space! I genuinely believe that many
of our graduates present here today will agree with me on this point,
irrespective of how they may have looked at some of the issues during
their early days on campus.
I do not believe that as a nation we should accept
these kinds of costs being levied on our young
people. Surely there must be better ways to contest
the political space! I genuinely believe that many
of our graduates present here today will agree with
me on this point, irrespective of how they may have
looked at some of the issues during their early days
on campus.
But most importantly, we are looking to our
graduates present here today to take this message to
those who come behind them, and in doing so to
become part of the budding chain of cultural change
and transformation at MUT. We look to our graduates
to bear the torch, to place the “biblical” candle on the
table top. “We are very proud of Khosonke’s creation.” Here he is with the
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Senzo Malinga CEM
MUT is challenged like all other institutions in terms
of managing conflict when it arises. But we are not In fact, we have begun to see a hint of this possibility
despairing at all. Our experience over the last few as far as students are concerned. Three examples
years has been that the MUT community, both staff illustrate the point:
and students, has begun to make a qualitatively
nuanced assessment of the various interests that • Khosonke Mlangeni, a Mechanical
must co-exist within the University. Hence, we Engineering student, who is graduating this
have seen less and less disruptions of classes and season, created a first of its kind machine that
University business in general, even though we find loosens and tightens bolts. This machine has
that sometimes the media chooses to believe in been patented;
stereotypes. • Noxolo Mntungwa, an IT student
designed the official logo for the Mega City mall,
We believe that this change is a reflection of our staff and won a prize of R20 000 for it;
and students making a fundamental shift in terms of • Teams of MUT Civil Engineering students
how they see their institution, and even in how they have continued to dominate the annual 06
choose to engage with the leadership. We pray that Egg Protection Device (EPD), and the cube
this atmosphere endures, because when it does then competitions, run by the Concrete Society of
it opens up so many possibilities for everyone. Southern Africa. The EPD competition winners
last time were Phakamani Khanyile, Mondli
I remember saying to some of my colleagues that if this good Ntombela and Sipho Ngcobo. The second
atmosphere prevails it will even begin to create space for our position was taken by Karabo Lesale, Murudu
students to delve into the realm of creativity. And when this Kagiso and Siyalunga Msani. MUT’s third year
engineering students went on to take all three
space opens up, who knows what our students may come up
top positions of the cube competition. Zamani
with?
Msimang got first position, Mbali Zungu, second,
and Lindokuhle Dhlamini third.
Why graduates feedback matters
• You know the strengths and weaknesses of this
• Mr Chancellor, we take the views of our graduates University, and thus we look to you to help us make MUT
seriously because we assume that they have a vested a testament to a people who dare to dream beyond their
interest in the success and reputation of their University. circumstances; and
As I had noted during an alumni dinner that MUT hosted
in 2012, we believe that, like most people, our graduates • Whatever your immediate station and vocation may
also wish to be associated with a winner. If this is true, be after MUT, we hope that we have added value to
then we must trust that our graduates will give us a fairly your life and person. Most of all, we hope that we have
honest feedback so that we can make corrections where helped you in some way in your search for your own life’s
we have erred, and make good where we have fallen meaning and purpose.
short. This way, MUT will become a champion institution
that inspires its graduates as well as its students as they As I conclude, let me thank the parents, family members,
make their ways into their respective professions and sponsors, and all those that have in their different ways
various callings. contributed to the success of our graduates; very few
of us can ever walk the journey of life alone. We must
Special message to graduates also thank especially our University staff for all the hard
work they have put into making this occasion ultimately
To the wonderful graduating class of 2013, my special possible through their teaching and mentoring,
message to you is the following: administration of student life and activities, etc. In the
end, this occasion is a product of all our collective efforts.
• You have made your parents and other loved ones, May the sense of common purpose grow stronger within
your sponsors, your lecturers and the University in our University, as much as it must do in our nation in
general, as well as the nation, proud; general. May we enjoy this occasion to the fullest.
• You will be interested and hopefully even excited to
07 know that you have become part of MUT history also in
another significant way, in that this is the first time ever
Thank you! God bless us all.
that MUT is graduating over 2,000 students in one year;
• By virtue of this graduation today, you have become
part of the MUT alumni. This means that you have the
statutory right to participate in all activities of the
Convocation of MUT. However, in order that you can
connect with the University properly, you will need to
ensure that we have your updated contact details at all
times;From the Office of the Deputy
Vice-Chancellor - Academic, Prof. Marcus Ramogale
“Grad 2013 honours home-based achievers”
n its third year of honouring great Until 1996 Msagala was just another student at MUT in
South African achievers, the the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
University did not have to look far Prof. Ewa Zawilska, his HOD at the time still remembers
to find an Umlazi top achiever to how he was a cut above the rest of his class. Msagala’s
meteoric rise to power has not been out of the blue. Hard
honour with two other MUT alumni
work, wit and humility have brought his line managers to
who are also high achievers. notice this young man and to reward him for his excellent
performance.
Carefully selected by committees from MUT’s faculties
of Engineering, Natural Sciences and Management Prof. Senzo Malinga CEM, the Dean of Engineering says
Sciences, the MUT home-grown achievers honoured the decision to honour Msagala was taken at Senate
were Mr Herbert Msagala, Chief of Ports at Transnet
because Msagala “personifies endurance
(TNPA), and Dr Zilungile Kwitshana, lecturer and
researcher at UKZN. In addition to these achievers, MUT and the triumph of the human spirit
saw it fit to honour a son of Umlazi Township, Mr Sandile against all manner of adversity, coming,
Zungu, one of South Africa’s top businessmen. as he does, from a humble, modest background, and
equipped only with a National Diploma in Mechanical
As a way of encouraging students to emulate the Engineering from MUT”. Malinga also adds: “Msagala’s
honorees my recurring message to students is, “Take a determination to compete and beat graduates from the
08
closer look at this honoree and ask yourself what do you other better-known universities through the different
see? Of course, you see success and this is the picture levels at Transnet to eventually become the Chief
you need to take home with you if you want to embody Operations Officer is proof to us that success depends on
success.” These are our crème de la crème as presented one’s attitude.
at the three different graduation sessions.
An honoree at MUT’s Faculty of
Engineering graduation, Mr Herbert
Msagala, now Transnet’s Chief of Ports,
says, “Mut is my Havard.”“Over and above his career achievements, his passion to see the upliftment and development of youth from
disadvantaged backgrounds through mentoring and coaching programmes, and through opening the gates of
TNPA for ordinary youth to get a better understanding and appreciation of the port system in this country and
the boundless opportunities that await them in the maritime sector, has to be recognised and commended.”
Msagala’s career began to take on new heights when he was appointed by Transnet Rail Freight as their Assistant
Manager and Training Analyst. By 2000, he had been promoted to Marketing and Sales intermodal Customer
Manager. A year later, he was promoted to Senior Manager - Planning where he managed 180 employees.
Here his key responsibilities entailed integrating all maintenance schedules of infrastructure and assets into
the train plan, creating capacity by rescheduling trains to meet network capacity, managing on a daily basis
deviations from the weekly train plan on an exception basis, as well as managing logistics for South African
imports and exports through SA ports.
This served as a gateway into executive management. Between 2004 and 2006, Msagala became an executive
manager, Locomotive, and two years later an executive manager with 365 people reporting to him and then
he became a General Manager with a workforce of 6 800 direct employees.
Mr and Mrs Msagala
In June last year, Msagala was appointed Chief Msagala says, “My main goal is to
of Ports by the Transnet Ports Authority, giving come to MUT and help empower
him responsibility for the nine commercial ports those still in class so that they can
around South Africa. He is in charge of various empower others, and, hopefully,
projects including a R250 billion Capex for Transnet the practice will continue so the
infrastructure development project called Market chain keeps turning out more good
Demand Strategy (MDS). Msagala, heads the graduates.
operations at the Transnet National Ports Authority,
09 currently responsible for the operation execution of a “People and organisations are profiled in many
R47 billion budget. different ways. I would like to be profiled by what
I did for MUT, which is my Harvard. MUT alumni
Msagala is also a dedicated family man — married to compete with the best from UCT, Wits and many
Loretta Msagala and blessed with two boys and one other historically privileged institutions. People in
girl. Msagala was born on a farm in the small Free boardrooms are curious – where do you come from,
State town of Steynrust. He moved to Qwaqwa in because MUT is not known. They are surprised by
1988 where he completed his matric before moving to what MUT alumni are doing. MUT alumni are unique
MUT. He grew up playing soccer and was nicknamed because of what was fed into our minds. We are not
“Zane” after veteran South African soccer star, Zane branded by the university we went to, as it is the case
Moosa. with others.”Mr Sandile Donald Muziwenkosi
Zungu,
MUT’s Faculty of Management Sciences Dean
Mr Gona Govender, was euphoric because
of the prospect bestowed upon his faculty to
honour one of South Africa’s top businessmen,
Mr Sandile Zungu, executive chairman of Zungu
Investments Company (Proprietary) Limited
(Zico), which is the holding company of his
business interests.
Govender says, “Zungu epitomises success,
Mr Zungu had constructive messages for MUT students willpower, resilience, something very
uncommon in the youth of today. Our resolve
to honour Zungu stems from the lack of role-
models in the townships. As MUT, we would
“Zungu epitomises success, willpower, like young people, not just our graduands but
resilience, something very uncommon all young South Africans to see through this
role model that your past should not serve as
in the youth of today. Our resolve to a barrier to success and that with the proper
honour Zungu stems from the lack of application of one’s energy, the sky is the limit.
role-models in the townships. Over and above Zungu’s achievements, we are
heartened by the role Zungu is playing in the
South African team engaging BRICS leadership
and the fact that he is the recipient of numerous
global awards and sits on boards of parastatals
and multi-nationals.”
Born and bred in Umlazi Township, Durban,
Zungu completed his Matric at Vukuzakhe
High School in 1983 becoming one of the
top 10 participants in the erstwhile KwaZulu
regional finals of the Old Mutual National
Science Olympiad and in 1984 he came 81st
in the national category of the Old Mutual
National Science Olympiad. He became one
of the first few Africans to do a post-matric at
Hilton College in 1984. Zungu then completed 10
a BSc (Mechanical Engineering) degree at the
University of Cape Town (UCT) in 1988 as well
as a Masters in Business Administration degree
(MBA) at the UCT Graduate School of Business
in 1995. In 2000 he completed a Program for
Global Leadership certificate at the Harvard
Thank you Mr Zungu! With DVC Academic, Prof. Ramogale
Business School in Boston, USA.The Zungu family! Mother, son and daughter-in-law
Zungu has six years plant maintenance and projects Receiving the honour, Zungu said, “I salute MUT. In
management experience within engineering and John, Luke, Matthew and Mark, Jesus is referenced as
production environments, having worked for Richards having remarked that prophets neither get recognition
Bay Minerals (RBM), Engen Refinery, National Sorghum in their hometowns nor amongst family and relatives. "
Breweries (NSB) and South African Breweries (SAB) I am neither Jesus nor a prophet, but a business leader
during the period 1989 to 1994. and social entrepreneur. Juxtaposing what Jesus said in
Matthew 13 that, ‘Only in his hometown and in his own
In 1998 he led SARHWU Investment Holdings to house is a prophet without honour’, and contrasting that
becoming BusinessMap Dealmaker of the year. In 2000 with your deed today, then I must express my absolute
he represented South Africa at the 6th finals of the World delight that so early in my professional career, the
Young Business Achievers, which were held in Florida, Mangosuthu University of Technology, in Umlazi, has
USA and won the much-coveted Outstanding Business seen it appropriate to recognise and honour me (umfana
Strategy award. Zungu has featured in the Financial waseMlazi), for my historical achievements and for what
Mail’s Little Black Book profiling South Africa’s 300 most your Deputy Vice-Chancellor has called "exemplary
influential blacks and graduated recently as a member leadership", and most importantly encourage me to
of the World Economic Forum in his capacity as Young reach for the stars"...
Global Leader. He is a member of the BRICS Business
Council and also serves on the BEE Presidential Advisory It was more of a homecoming for this cosmopolitan son
Council. of Umlazi, receiving a standing ovation from graduands
and their parents.
Zungu was an associate within the corporate finance
division of African Merchant Bank (AMB) prior to
establishing SARWHU Investment Holdings in 1997, a
company that he led for three-and-half years, growing
it from a zero asset base to more than R400 million in
“I salute MUT. In John, Luke,
net asset value. In August 2000 he assumed his duties Matthew and Mark, Jesus is
at the then R6 billion New Africa Investments Limited
11
(NAIL) as executive director responsible for strategy referenced as having remarked
" I am neither Jesus nor a prophet, but a business
and empowerment. He became intimately involved
in developing and implementing plans by NAIL to
thatand
leader prophets neither
social entrepreneur. get
Juxtaposing
what Jesus said in Matthew 13 that, ‘Only in his
distribute its interest in Metropolitan Life Limited recognition
home town and in hisinowntheir
house ishometowns
a prophet
(METLIFE) on the JSE Securities Exchange.
without honour’, and contrasting that with your
nor amongst family and
deed today, then I must express my absolute
He left the employ of NAIL at the end of 2001 after its
complete transformation to a R1 billion media company. relatives.
delight I am
that so early in myneither
professionalJesus
career, nor
the Mangosuthu University of Technology, in
Zungu is also an independent non-executive chairman
of Denel, which is South Africa’s state-owned arms
a prophet,
Umlazi, has seen itbut a business
appropriate to recogniseleader
and honour me
manufacturer, independent non-executive director of and social entrepreneur. “
Grindrod Limited and CIPLA Medpro Limited, both listed.Dr Zilungile Kwitshana, MUT’s Faculty of
Natural Sciences honoree
Dr Kwitshana is an MUT alumnus, currently employed at Kwitshana was born in Clermont Township west of Durban
UKZN as a lecturer and a researcher. where she undertook her junior and senior primary education.
She then proceeded to Inanda Seminary Girls High School
Prof. Nokwethemba Ndlazi, Dean of the Faculty of where she matriculated in 1980. In 1981 she proceeded to
Natural Sciences said that MUT is proud of Dr Kwitshana the University of Fort Hare, but her first degree studies were
who has “raised herself to be among the very few prolific interrupted by political unrest in 1982. She then proceeded
academics in the field of Medical Science with both to Edendale Technical College in 1983 and completed her
national and international presence.” National Diploma in Medical Technology in 1987, the Specialist
Diploma in Chemical Pathology in 1988, and National Higher
“She is contributing immensely in the development Diploma in Medical Technology at the then Natal Technikon
of capacity within this field through the mentoring of in 1992.
masters and PhD emerging researchers, and always
ensuring that research projects designed talk directly She joined the University of Natal to bridge for an Honours
to the problems facing our communities. Her work on degree in 1995 and completed her Masters in Medical Science
communicable diseases will be significant in influencing in 2000, and completed her PhD in Immunology in 2010 at the
the policy framework for the National Department of University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Health”, says Prof. Nokwethemba Ndlazi.
In between her studies, she worked as a Principal Medical
raised herself to be among Technologist at Edendale Pathology Laboratories from 1984
the very few prolific to 1996. She then worked as a Senior Medical Scientist at
academics in the field of the South African Medical Research Council from 1996 to
December 2010, and is currently working at the University of
Medical Science with both KwaZulu-Natal as a lecturer and researcher. She is married and
national and international has three children.
presence. She advised graduates never to quit in the face
of difficulties. “Dead ends should not define your
destiny, they should make you resilient,” she said. She
also urged graduates to take advantage of every opportunity
and encouraged them to pursue postgraduate studies and
research.
12
We are honoured! Mr and Mrs Kwitshana1 Graduation key note speakers: One message,
one prospective workforce
The graduation ceremonies had three keynoters, Dr Tsakani Lotten Mthombeni, (32), General Manager
Mrs Ngwenya
at The National Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Mrs Faith Zandile Ngwenya, former lecturer in the
Department of Accounting at MUT, currently employed as Technical and Standards Executive at the South
African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) and Mr Marius Meyer, CEO of the SA Board for People
Practices (SABPP).
As if pre-rehearsed, all these esteemed speakers had one message for the graduands:
• Be five E’s: Ethical, Engaged, Energetic, Enduring, Excellent;
• Be a team player: Success is clad in team work; no man is an island in the corporate
world;
• Be good at networking, be customer-centric;
• Be able to use social media wisely not foolishly;
• Build a future grounded in inter-generational conversations;
• Be a doer;
• Enhance your reputational capital, nothing matters to employees more like your
reputational capital! Simply put:
13 • “Individual reputations are often described in terms of esteem, respect, trust, and
confidence (or lack thereof ). The outcome of the perception from the above
ingredients, is inherently simple: Good or Bad. The results of one
forming an opinion from this perception is the notion that it’s “safe” to do something
with you or your organization such as apply for a job with your firm, buy your products
or services, purchase your stock, or invest in your company and not boycott you during
times of crisis.”Graduating is only the beginning –
there is still more to do, graduates told
For over 2000 MUT students who received their qualifications Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Marcus Ramogale,
at this year’s graduation, it became clear in the messages summed up the messages of graduation in two words,
delivered by keynote speakers and honorees that, truly, as “lifelong learning”, and indeed the address by Mrs Faith
in the words of former President, Nelson Mandela: “After Ngwenya, Mr Herbert Msagala, Dr Zilungile Kwitshana,
climbing a great hill, one realises that there are many Mr Sandile Zungu, Dr Tsakani Mthombeni, and Mr Marius
more hills to climb”. Completing their course was just one Meyer, had explored social circumstances and challenges in
of many more hills they would need to climb. South Africa that beckoned students to not be content with
just a diploma, but to strive to obtain higher qualifications,
and apply their skills to succeed in today's fast paced global
economy.
14
Mr Marius Meyer There is a lot for you to do! Faith Ngwenya Dr Mthombeni“There’s nothing more to research, but the truth is there
is always new information to be uncovered. The quest for
new knowledge will always exist,” said Dr. Kwitshana.
Dr Mthombeni
The keynote speaker of the day, Dr Tsakani Lotten
Mthombeni, General Manager, Energy at the National “You need to guard against becoming
Technology Innovation Agency, urged the new
graduates to give back to their communities. “You need an economic iceberg and isolating
to guard against becoming an economic iceberg and
isolating yourselves from society. The university has yourselves from society. The university
done its part to cultivate the minds, now it is up to you
has done its part to cultivate the
to give back,” said Dr Mthombeni. Dr Mthombeni also
appealed to graduates to endeavour to contribute to minds, now it is up to you to give
15 the government’s National Development Plan. “Do not
be a spectator, the country looks up to us to develop our back.” said Dr Mthombeni.
economy,” he said.Mr Marius Meyer, CEO of SA Board for People Practices, a professional body for HR
practitioners, a guest speaker for the Management Sciences graduation, told graduates
that while their new qualification was a great achievement, it was only “a ticket to
graduation” and their next big challenge was to enter the job market and make an
impact. He then gave them tips to finding employment and getting ahead in their
careers.
Thank you, sir! Marius Meyer, left, accepting a token of appreciation from Prof. Ramogale
“Embrace technology and join the social media revolution “My second plea,” she continued, “I urge you to look back
where the masses are. Register with a professional body, seriously in your life up to now. There are several things,
and improve your network because the more people you circumstances and activities that have made you succeed
know the better your chances of getting a job,” said Meyer. in the past. They may be hard work, honesty, personal
discipline, loyalty to family and friends, and the love for
Meyer closed off by sharing the five E’s for professional God. These will also contribute substantially to your success
standards viz, ethics, engagement, energy, endurance and in future. Also, choose your role models wisely, they will act
excellence. as your mentor and can also shape your character.”
Another keynote speaker Mrs Faith Ngwenya, a former
lecturer at MUT’s Department of Accounting, now a “Find ways to employ yourselves.
Technical and Standards Executive of the SA Institute Come together and form your own companies.”
of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), lamented the high
unemployment rate and the reality that not everybody who
16
graduated would be employed. However, Mrs Ngwenya
encouraged them to overcome this by thinking of ways to
generate income for themselves.
Mrs Ngwenya also made three pleas to the graduates.
“Firstly, I urge you to try everything in life you think you are
capable of. If you think you can be the next Sandile Zungu,
Patrice Matsepe, Gill Marcus, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma,
or any other person of note, please go ahead and try to
achieve it,” she said.BEHIND EACH
GRADUATE’S
SUCCESS
THERE IS A STORY
It was sheer determination,
and a lot of praying, I also had
solid home support
Lister, with her husband, a family member, and a
friend and graduate
Zamani Msimango with mom, left, and sistersThe Faculty of Management Sciences best student is
a free spirited Ntombikayise Khumalo. Ntombikayise
credits her sister for her awesome performance. “My elder
sister used to shout at me, saying I needed to rest, I was
studying too hard. I hardly slept.” This young graduate
from KwaZulu-Natal’s Bulwer, near the province’s capital,
believes she is naturally smart. Unlike others, she did not
study with a group. “It was sheer determination, and a lot
of praying. I also had solid home support.” Her mother,
whom she looks up to as a leader, said Ntombikayise’s I am naturally gifted! Ntombikayise Khumalo,
second from the left, with her siblings and mother
positive attitude also helped.
But this was a minor challenge; the big one was a shaky
“She is a very respectful child.” background at home. “My mother supported me with her
disability grant. I am very grateful to her, and everyone at
Ntombikayise passed all her subjects with distinction, home,” said the 23-year old, who lost her father at a very
including 2011 Personnel Management which she early stage in her life. Her paternal uncle and his wife
wrote as an aggrotat examination because she felt ill on put her through secondary education, which she did at
the morning the subject was written. Southlands Secondary School in Chatsworth, Durban.
Graduating at 53, after a
30-year break
In 2010, at 50 years of age, a very soft spoken Mr Bheki
Khumalo decided to further his studies at MUT. He registered
for a diploma in Public Management, and finished in record
time after having a 30-year break, and graduated on 20 April
2013, a day that may have seemed so distant a few years ago.
“I attended evening classes. Studying was interesting, and
We teach young and old! Mr Bheki Khumalo, with HOD unique. I was studying with the youth and fitted in well with
Mrs Pavinamo Moodliar
them.
They respected me just as the lecturers respected me,” reflected Mr Khumalo. “I went back to study because I had always
had a dream to better myself. Also, my then supervisor at work, Beryl Sewpasadh at the Premier’s Office, and Silindile
Langa, a colleague in the same department, encouraged me to go back to further my studies”.
This father of three, who comes from Ebukhalini, Mr Khumalo’s wife is the principal Personnel Officer in the
in KwaNongoma, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, says Department of Public Works at Mayville, Durban. “Now I can
he encountered some challanges and difficulties apply for more senior positions within the department. I 18
along the way. “There was not enough time, I am very grateful to the government of KwaZulu-Natal for
would wake up at 11pm to do my assignments, the bursary they gave me. I would like to continue doing
and then go back to bed at 4am. I also had to give my B.Tech in the same line of study,” he said. Mr Khumalo,
my children some time. But most importantly, it a very down to earth individual, now lives in Durban’s
was my wife who gave me support, advice, and Sydenham.
time. “83 year-old from
Eastern Cape attends
granddaughter’s graduation
Saturday, 20 April 2013. It is just after 8am. MUT’s Registrar, She is very happy. Cutting through the night – leaving at
Mr Mike Naidoo, has pointed out how inclement the 10pm, and arriving at 5am, was worth it. The booklet she
weather is. It is raining, the tent is flooded. We have is reading without glasses is a big thing for her.
to improvise. An 83-year old Mrs Dorah Magayana
is perusing the Faculty of Management Sciences
graduation programme. “It’s on page 8”, her daughter- Nwabisa’s father, David, a taxi driver from Cape Town,
in-law says. They are sitting in the first five rows to see who had to substitute his driving clothes with a suit, is
Nwabisa, Dorah’s granddaughter, being capped for her over the moon. So is Nolizwi. This is their first child. They
diploma in Accounting. She is number 17. This journey have three children. Nwabisa’s studies were paid for by
from the Eastern Cape’s Uqumbu is a rare outing for the taxi and hotel salaries. Her mother is a cleaner at a hotel
old woman. “She only goes to church,” Nolizwi, Nwabisa’s in Cape Town. Nwabisa’s caring parents say they will pay
mother, says. Mrs Magayana had to take this very long for their daughter’s further studies.
journey. This is the first graduation Dorah is attending.
She was not able to attend a relative’s graduation who
studied at the University of Cape Town.
19 A very proud family! Nwabisa, with mom, dad, and grandmaManagement Sciences lecturers
applauded by their students
Despite the very bad weather on Saturday, 20
April 2013, the last day of the graduation at MUT,
Mr Alex Nabbi was in good spirits. He had been
listening to students chanting his name: "Nabbi!
Nabbi! Nabbi!" He said getting a salary raise was
not bigger than seeing his students graduating.
“I am always looking forward to this,” said Alex,
an Accounting lecturer, who has been teaching
at MUT since 2006.
Others’ names were also chanted. "Zwane!
Zwane! Zwane!", referring to Mr Bonginkosi
Zwane, another lecturer in the same
department. Talk about lecturers who have a
good relationship with their students! "Jinabhai!
Jinabhai! Jinabhai!"
The HOD, Prof. Chandra Jinabhai stood and Among the graduands that had chanted “Jinabhai”, was
Sandile Mahlaba, 38, who had registered for his Cost and
acknowledged her students, whom she calls Management Accounting diploma 19 years before but had to
change to Information Technology studies. At the insistence
“my children”. “You can stop now,” pleaded
of his mother he had to come back and finish his Accounting
Ms Hoorzuk. Ms Hoorzuk had requested the “because my mother wanted me to.” He is a service delivery
Accolades pour for Ravi manager at Microsoft in Gauteng. He is also a graduate of the
students to stand and thank their parents and
after graduation ANC political school. Prof. Jinabhai, commended Sandile for
his “perseverance”.
sponsors. No one anticipated the happy chant
by the 482 students.
20
Nabbi! Nabbi! Nabbi! Zwane! Zwane! Jinabhai! Jinabhai! Long walk to freedom! Sandile, with Prof. Chandra
Students couldn’t help themselves Jinabhai, the HOD, and Faith NgwenyaRavi
Shares his secret to success
Chetty
For two consecutive years, Mr Ravi Chetty’s, Department
of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
has produced the best graduates for the Faculty of
Engineering. This is no ordinary achievement. The Vice-
Chancellor’s award has become a common collection for
his students. During last year’s graduation, Sibabalo
Bangani, a student from Chetty’s department, was
announced the best graduate in the Faculty of
Engineering. It was déjà-vu when this year, the 30 year old
Zamani Msimango, from the same department claimed
the award. This was music to Ravi’s ears. In an informal
interview, Mr Chetty shared his departments’ secret to
success. “I do not talk to my students as their HoD, I talk
to them as a strict old-fashioned dad. I give them tough
love.
The Boss!
This approach works very well with my students; they
make it their mission to prove to me that they can do it.”
Talking about Zamani Msimango, the latest hero of the
department, Mr Chetty said: “Zamani’s one is a real success
story, he worked as a driver to save for his university fees,
which is why he started his tertiary education later than
usual. He was very mature and disciplined in class. This
helped him adjust to my strict regime. I never treated him
differently; he was also getting lots of my tough love.”
Another strategy that Mr Chetty uses to cultivate the
culture of success among his students as soon as they
join his department, is to invite former students, who
have made it big in industry, to address new students.
Just recently, Ravi invited Mr Dumisani Madi, Group MD
of GVK Siya Zama Construction, a former graduate of the
department, to inspire, motivate and mentor pre-tech
students. As any good leader would say, Mr Chetty does
not want to take full credit for the success of his students.
21
Ravi has paid tribute to his team, and acknowledges how Tell us your recipe Sir!
the culture of success has been cascaded down to all the Mr Chetty with Zamani
staff members. “Each staff member of our department
takes it personal if one student fails, it feels as though they
have also failed, which is why they use every available
resource to make sure that as a department we produce
the best quantity surveyors,” said a triumphant Ravi,
adding “ 90% of the responses from industry indicate that
MUT’s Construction Management & Quantity Surveying
department produces the best graduates. “Accolades pour in for Ravi after Graduation
One graduate who listened attentively to Dr Tsakani Mthombeni, key note speaker at the engineering faculty
graduation, was Mhlengi Mgobhozi. Dr Mthombeni pleaded with the graduates to never forget the stories that
could be told about people who helped them get through their studies. As soon as guests started leaving the
graduation hall, Mhlengi, a Construction Management & Quantity Surveying graduate, hunted down now his former
HoD, Mr Ravi Chetty, and gave him a hug and said, “Sir, on behalf of myself and my parents, thank you, and thank you
to your wife too.”
But why thank an HoD’s wife. In this case, Mrs Chetty Call it luck, but some may call it motherly instinct. Seeing
played a motherly role in ensuring that Mhlengi got a potential in Mhlengi; Mrs Chetty suddenly became
an opportunity to fulfil his dream. In his first year, the his liaison on the spot, and begged that he be given a
young Mhlengi failed one Pre-Tech subject, which second chance.
meant a bleak end to his studies. Refusing to give up
without a fight; Mhlengi pleaded with Mr Chetty to give Three years later Mhlengi is still grateful to Mrs Chetty. “I
him a second chance. As it could be expected the strict did not understand how I failed then. When I was given
Mr Chetty did not want to hear it, as there is always high a second chance I was determined to make it. I finished
contest for space. Coincidentally, on one of the days my diploma in record time, achieving six distinctions and
Mhlengi visited Ravi in his office, his wife was also there. an overall aggregate of 70%. I will never forget what
After Mhlengi was given the negative response by his Mrs Chetty did for me, she is my guardian angel” said
HoD, he started a very informal conversation with Mrs a delighted Mhlengi. He has now registered for B.Tech
Chetty, who seemed to be more understanding than the degree and is confident that he will also complete in
HoD. record time.
Engineers’ Meritorious award for a Mechanical Engineering graduate
Eskom’s Drakensberg Pumped Storage Power Station in For many years to come maintenance is not going to be
KwaZulu-Natal, is running a huge plant that is emersed an issue, thanks to our mechanical engineering graduate,
more than 150 metres deep into the ground. More than Wandile Mvelase, who is now a trainee technician in the
130 million tons of rock and sand was removed when mechanical department. “I don’t think they will let me
the big whole was dug. go. Not very soon. I have done a lot for the company. I
was involved in water purification. I checked the whole
Ronald Gayapershad, a lecturer in the Department of process, and made recommendations,” said this 24-year
Mechanical Engineering says the distance from the old from KwaZulu-Natal’s Ladysmith, who says he would
top is required for technical reasons; water, from the like to be with the company for the next five years.
ground level travels more than 150 metres to hit the
turbines and four massive shafts that rotate to generate Wandile reviewed and improved the maintenance plan
electricity. Running such a large and dangerous plant of this plant called "governor system". This was his P2
requires precision. This plant has been maintained only project for his studies at MUT. Bravo! It took him five 22
once since its creation more than 25 years ago. months. The revised plan, which has been approved by
management, is going to be rolled out soon. Wandile
was awarded the South African Institute of Mechanical
Engineers Meritorious Student award for his effort. This
award is given to only one student a year. “My mother is
very pleased,” he said. “I am also very pleased.”
You are doing us proud! Wandile with DVC Academic
Prof. RamogaleNontobeko travels nine hours to claim her deserved freedom
“I am working in the army barracks, but I don’t carry a gun”, said Nontobeko Mhlanga, 24, an environmental health graduate
from Mpumalanga province. Nontobeko travelled the whole night to collect her graduation ticket, and slept over at her friend’s
place. She is doing her year- long community service with the South African National Defence Force’s Area Military Health Unit.
“This is a nice and interesting job. Most people don’t want to go there. But I like it. It is a much disciplined environment.”
See you on the 18th! Nontobeko and a friend proudly Rite of passage! Nontobeko with Registrar, Mr Mike Naidoo
show their graduation tickets
Nontobeko is responsible for the hygiene of the place. “I have Nontobeko had to travel nine hours by taxi connecting at least
to see to it that the sleeping quarters are tidy, the food is of three times in different taxis, two days before her graduation.
good quality, and that the whole place is generally clean. I work Upon arrival at Umlazi she had to stay with friends. This is one
very closely with the pest control team.” She quickly adds, “My story of various difficult roads graduands have to travel before
graduation is a big thing. It means financial freedom, but with they can walk on stage to receive their diplomas.
responsibility. You are now supposed to take care of yourself.”
For her this is when adult life starts.
23Always a feature at our Parents were at their best
graduations
Can you match this?
MUT graduates are ‘fashionistas’
Over the three days, four sessions, you would have sworn it was shoes galore. If you have never seen a floating
people were dressed to walk the red carpet at the Oscars shoe, well, you should have attended MUT graduation.
or Grammy awards. No, it was MUT graduates dressed to For the graduates, it really didn’t matter whether they
walk the stage to receive their hard-earned diploma and have mastered the art of walking in stilettos, but on
degree certificates. It was a real feast for the eyes, male their special occasion ladies came in haute couture
and female alike. For this special day, male students outfits and matching stilettos. The parents also did not
were brave enough to put on bold colours; purple disappoint. Grannies, aunts, moms, and sisters, all came
suits, red shoes, green bow ties! The crown for the guys mostly dressed in traditional attire. It was indeed a true
definitely goes to Zethembe Mchunu, a Construction rainbow nation graduation.
Management & Quantity Surveying student, who
MUT class of 2013 Rocks!
donned a full traditional Zulu regalia, with a knobkierrie
in hand. You go Zethembe! Well, for the ladies,
Shoes were some of the attractions
24Jiyane’s music
career goes
from strength to
strength
e is a constant sight at all 2002 was the ultimate turning point in Jiyane’s music
MUT festivities. A good sight! career. “I became a conductor of the University choir.
And he is always busy, doing In the same year I went to the UK with the Durban
his work, with a smile. There Serenade Choral Society on an Old Mutual sponsored
is no doubt he likes what he trip which was highlighting the breast cancer as a
is doing – conducting the plight.” The following year was the time when Jiyane
University choir. He has been started bringing in trophies, and money, lots of it. He
doing it for years. This is Ndlelenhle ‘Sgqoko’ Jiyane, a has not stopped! His beloved MUT choir has been
father of three daughters. competing with adult choirs since then.
Jiyane’s love for choral music was not an instant It has also squared up with other higher education
discovery. It sort of simmered under the surface for institution choirs at SATICA competitions all these
some time, and popped out in 1997. “Mr Themba years, from 2003 to 2012, not getting anything below
Kunene, the principal of Bhekuzulu High, where I did third position. Jiyane credits his students for their
my matriculation, was a very good choir conductor. He determination and the support he gets from his wife,
inspired me. But I was looking at the school choir from who is also a choir conductor at her church.
a reasonable distance. The 1996 choir was exceptional.”
In 1997, Jiyane, who used to go to choral music
competitions, gathered enough courage to join the
school choir. He soon became a soloist. “I did not know
I had it in me.” This was the start of a long career for this
humble man, who is now an MUT employee. Jiyane’s
career is dominated by achievement every year.
Jiyane came to MUT to do Accounting. This time he had
resolved to join the choir once and for all. He was done
shirking, and through with playing soccer, as he did
25 while still in high school. The 20-year old Jiyane joined
the Durban Serenade Choral Society where he says he
gained a world of musical knowledge. Without a choral “Doing a good job Sir!” Jiyane, left, with Mr Thami
Mchunu, the Dean of Students
music background, he had only his love for music to
rely on as a guide.Enactus students learn a thing or two
from our graduation
“We are learning from the best!” Enactus, with the VC, Prof. Mashupye Kgaphola, left, and Chancellor, Mr TW Mchunu
“.... and to those that I did not mention, thank you”, said one Nosipho Zwane, Mechanical Engineering, 2nd year student:
of the officials who read the vote of thanks. Some of those I was so motivated to see our brothers and sisters taking a first
unsung heroes of our 2013 graduation ceremonies were the step towards a better future.
Enactus students.
Yanga Nkenkana, Public Management, 2nd year student : “It
Enactus was previously SIFE. This organisation has been part was a very great moment to get the opportunity to be an
of the graduation before, but this time they excelled. And they usher for the graduation ceremony. The greatest thing was
liked being part of the Registrar, Mr Mike Naidoo’s graduation to see the former students of the institution who passed with
team. Here is what some of them had to say: CUM LAUDE. “
Sibusiso Mkhwanazi a first year Nature Conservation student: Lindokuhle Khawula, ENACTUS MUT, Administrator and 3rd
“Being in the graduation ceremony was the best experience of year student in Agriculture: “This was a good motivation
my life. Getting to see the management and the staff members for me and I met so many people that might be my future
of Mangosuthu University of Technology dressed in academic employers.” 26
gowns was awesome!. We also got a chance to take photos
with VC, Prof. Kgaphola, and the Chancellor, Mr TW Mchunu.
This is one moment I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”
Nkululeko Thabethe, Chemical Engineering, 2nd year
student: “It was a great experience for me to be part of this
rite of passage. I got a chance to apply my good skills where
they were needed. I also interacted with people of different
status, like the VC and Chancellor, and varied believes and
backgrounds. I felt honoured to be in the same venue with
doctors and professors of the university.”You can also read
