“VUT academics showcased research at the 2025 MUT Teaching & Learning Conference, highlighting transformation, digital inclusion, and innovative pedagogy.”
26 August 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Supplied
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The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) proudly participated in the 2025 Teaching and Learning Focus Conference hosted by the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in KwaZulu-Natal from 11–15 August. The week commenced with a publication workshop, followed by three days of robust engagements on teaching and learning in higher education.
Representing VUT under the Women in Research collective, Ms Nkululeko Khumalo, Lecturer and Independent Curator, presented on the transformation of the Department of Fine Art at VUT. She emphasised that transformation must extend beyond policy to encompass lived realities, continuous dialogue and critical reflection.
Other VUT presenters included Ms Lerato Thabane, Lecturer in Information and Communication Technology, who examined the integration of teaching and learning technologies in higher education; Ms Refilwe Modise, Instructional Designer at the Centre for Academic Development (CAD), and Ms Lerato Motloung, CAD Academic Advisor, who discussed the influence of digital tool usability on instructor efficiency in blended learning platforms; and Ms Natacia Mnguni, CAD Instructional Designer, who presented on student performance in various electrical engineering concepts. Collectively, their work highlighted VUT’s commitment to advancing innovative pedagogies, digital inclusion and data-informed approaches to student success.
According to Ms Khumalo, “VUT’s presence at the conference demonstrated our commitment to aligning institutional strategies with global partnerships that enhance leadership, innovation and research opportunities, not only for staff but also for students.”
The conference drew academics and students from universities across South Africa, as well as international partners, to explore themes such as innovative teaching strategies, curriculum internationalisation, global mobility and rethinking leadership in higher education. Sessions also highlighted global collaboration opportunities, with details shared on Fulbright programmes available to South African academics and students.
In their closing remarks, MUT leadership commended the university teaching and learning development centres for driving academic innovation and announced that selected papers from the conference will be published by Springer and in a special issue of African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning.
For VUT, the conference provided not only a platform to showcase research excellence but also an opportunity to contribute to critical national and international conversations on the future of teaching and learning.