MUT Puts its Academic Programme on hold as clean-up is underway
MUT has been hard hit by the storm that hit the province on the fateful Tuesday – 10 October 2024. In most parts of the University water was kneed-high, having pushed through closed windows, or otherwise flowed from the streets and found its way to the computer labs, and students residences. Most of the computers in the labs were completely damaged and this is heart-breaking for the University which is Historically Disadvantaged. The damage is estimated in millions of rand.
Massive trees were uprooted, one fell over a car. The University grounds became massive dams with water puddles attracting the eye from a distance. Most of the offices’ and lecture halls’ floors have to be redone as they were soaked in water which rushed through the doors. Carpets have had to be ripped off. There might be a need to install a surface which will be able to stand the next storm attack.
The worst part about the storm has been that it caused power cut; electr
icity only returned on the night of 12 October, when things slowly began to get back to normal. On the second day workers were still busy cutting the trees which were toppled over, and taking the rubble to the nearby dump; and continuing with lecture and office cleaning and mopping.
Computer laboratories, printing rooms and the University’s Information Technology are all damaged. All these are causing detrimental effects towards the University’s business operations. Prof Marcus Ramogale, Acting Vice-Chancellor, is at pains talking about the damage at hand. “At this point, we are prioritising the living conditions for students as Residence A on main campus was hard hit. I have urged my teams to ensure that students’ and staff members’ lives are safe.”
The University’s email system has not been working since Tuesday and the University has organised meals for students. “We are hopeful that this difficult situation will not have a negative impact on examination preparations. One of our strategic goals is to improve the pass rate and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that this setback does not disadvantage our students’ success during examinations”, said Prof Ramogale.
The University will welcome every assistance that would ease the burden caused on students already. Please call Ms Mbali Mkhize, senior Director: Marketing & Communications 031-907-7347/8 or email emkhize@gmail.com
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