How MUT became a beacon for South Africa’s student entrepreneurship movement
The choice of the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) as the host for the announcement of Universities South Africa (USAf) — Absa Bank R5.5 million partnership on 25 June was not random. The decision marked the deliberate recognition of MUT’s transformative potential of a historically disadvantaged institution of higher learning.
Through USAf’s Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Programme, in partnership with Absa Bank, the 25 June event also doubled as the launch of the EDHE-Absa Innovation Challenge, a strategic initiative designed to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of students and alumni at South Africa’s 26 public universities, thus driving solutions to critical societal problems.
Dr Phethiwe Matutu, CEO of Universities South Africa, said the entrepreneurial initiatives included in the USAf-Absa partnership “are driven by inclusive innovation, so it is fitting that the launch is taking place at the point of need.”
A Vice-Chancellor born, bred, and buttered in Umlazi
At the heart of MUT’s story stands Professor Nokuthula Sibiya (left), who became Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Principal on 1 August 2024, making history as the first Umlazi-born female to lead the institution. This milestone occurred during MUT’s 45th anniversary year, underscoring the university’s evolution and commitment to community-rooted leadership.
In his introduction of Professor Sibiya, Dr Kevin Ramsarghey, Acting Dean of Management Sciences at MUT, painted a picture of exceptional academic achievement. “Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor Honours in Nursing, Master of Technology in Nursing, and Doctor (PhD) of Technology in Nursing. She is a C2-rated scientist by the National Research Foundation (NRF).”
He said the VC’s research portfolio was equally impressive, with over 140 published articles, conference proceedings, books, and book chapters, having successfully supervised 63 master’s students and 34 PhD students. Professor Sibiya is also the recipient of the 2018 South African Distinguished Woman Scientist in Humanities and Social Sciences award by the Department of Science and Technology.
Even more notable in this context,Dr Ramsarghey mentioned that Professor Sibiya had received the EDHE Rising Star DVC 2023 Award for her leadership in student entrepreneurship and staff capacity development – a recognition that Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director: EDHE, would later note, had preceded Professor Sibiya’s and one other Professor’s appointment to vice-chancellorship.
Turning challenges into strengths
Professor Sibiya’s opening address embodied the transformation philosophy that defines MUT’s approach to education and entrepreneurship. “We are truly grateful that you chose MUT, the only university located in a township, where I was born, bred, and buttered, to make this launch,” she said.
Her message to students reflects this growth mindset: “We have always emphasised to our students during graduation ceremonies that let not your past define your future. We say this all the time to remind our graduates to wear this MUT badge with pride.”
This philosophy translates into practical institutional change. Professor Sibiya announced ambitious plans regarding entrepreneurship, including making it a compulsory module across all academic programmes.
“Whether our students study engineering, science, or humanities, they will graduate with the tools to innovate, create value, and solve real-world problems,” she declared. “This is about embedding entrepreneurship into the DNA of our institution.”
Vision for a Centre for Entrepreneurship
Professor Sibiya also announced MUT’s commitment to establishing a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “I remember when I was interviewed for the position of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE), one of the questions was, ‘what do you bring with you? What do you hope to achieve in the space of five years?’ Without hesitation, I committed to setting up an entrepreneurship centre.
“Unfortunately, my time was very short as the DVC, but as the vice chancellor, now sitting on the other side of the table, I still commit that before my term ends, the entrepreneurship centre will be up and running at MUT.”
According to Prof Sibiya, the planned centre will serve five critical functions:
- Incubation and mentorship: Providing physical space, technical support, and guidance for student and staff-led ventures.
- Skills development: Offering training in lean startup models, financial literacy, intellectual property, and go-to-market strategies.
- Networks and collaboration: Connecting students with industry mentors, funders, and policymakers.
- Research and Innovation: Supporting the translation of the university’s research enterprise into community upliftment, particularly benefiting Umlazi and the broader KwaZulu-Natal region.
- Community impact: Positioning MUT as a national leader in practical, impact-driven entrepreneurship for underrepresented and underserved communities.
Professor Sibiya also announced plans to integrate entrepreneurship accountability into academic performance management, referring to the university’s planned performance management system.
Building on strong foundations
Mrs Ntombi Mthembu (right), MUT’s Economic Activation Officer, provided insights into the university’s existing entrepreneurship ecosystem, demonstrating ambitious plans built on a solid foundation.
“We are privileged in this university to have the support of the executive leadership in entrepreneurship activities,” she noted. “Dr Ntshangase is forever present in our events, and Professor Ramogale is our strongest supporter. I knock on his door all the time, requesting especially financial support, and he always gladly provides.”
Student programmes already in place
MUT’s entrepreneurship activities span multiple interconnected programmes demonstrating institutional maturity in student development:
- EDHE integration: The university launched its Student Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (SWEEP) chapter in 2023, with strong participation from student leadership including the Deputy President of the Student Representative Council.
- Competition success: MUT students have achieved national recognition, with Andile Mkhize reaching the Entrepreneurship InterVarsity finals in 2024. Although he did not win the competition, the exposure led to identification by the SAP Foundation mentorship programme and subsequent R220,000 funding from NetBank.
- Practical learning infrastructure: The university operates the Wadhwani Computer Laboratory, offering a structured 14-week programme of personalised, real-world, and experiential entrepreneurship education.
International collaboration
Professor Sibiya’s recent visit to Sacramento State University in California provided insights into how universities can systematically produce entrepreneurs. “Every academic department is required to account on how many entrepreneurs they produce. That’s exactly what I want to implement here.”
Through EDHE, MUT has also participated in international programmes, including the Transfer Mentorship, Shadowing, and Coaching Programme with TH Köln, a University of Applied Sciences in Germany. This exposure to international innovation models has strengthened MUT’s approach to technology transfer and academy-industry collaboration.
Absa commits to supporting the envisioned Entrepreneurship Centre
The choice of MUT as the launch venue drew praise from Ms Nonhlanhla Magagula (left), Absa’s Head of Corporate Citizenship Programmes. Specifically turning to the VC, Ms Magagula said “Under your leadership, Prof Sibiya, MUT is becoming a shining example of how a university can embed entrepreneurship not only in the curriculum but in culture. The Future Centre of Entrepreneurship that is planned for the institution will serve not just the students here, but communities, and Absa is proud to support that vision.”
Also, Dr Gumbo noted that MUT’s approach aligns perfectly with EDHE’s philosophy of creating entrepreneurial ecosystems: “Research has shown us that within the context of an entrepreneurial university, students are more likely to develop an entrepreneurial skill set and mindset. MUT has taken strides to establish entrepreneurship as a culture within the university.”
A model for inclusive innovation
As Magagula noted, “Innovation doesn’t always look like Sandton, the richest square mile in Africa. Sometimes it looks like Umlazi. Sometimes it looks like an idea on a piece of paper. Sometimes it looks like a student building an app in a residence room.”
The university’s location in Umlazi, along with its development into an entrepreneurship hub, illustrates that innovation and excellence can arise from any environment with strong leadership, vision, and institutional commitment.
Professor Sibiya’s concluding message captured this philosophy: “Let us be bold in our thinking, compassionate in our leadership, and relentless in our pursuit for meaningful impact. Together we are planting seeds for a future where Innovation is inclusive, where entrepreneurship is a mindset, and where our universities are the launch pads for real lasting change.”
Tersia Gouws is Universities South Africa’s commissioned writer.
