MUT Is Applauded By DHS For Accepting Research Chair
Addressing 350 delegates at the Human Settlements Conference hosted by MUT in Durban from 5-6 October 2017, the Acting VC, Prof Marcus Ramogale said the conference was “a culmination of a bright vision of the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) and MUT.” The Research Chair in Human Settlements, which was officially given to MUT on the night of the first day of the conference, is a zenith of the efforts by the Acting DVC: Teaching and Learning, Gona Govender, who was Dean of Management Sciences at the time. Together with Brendan Boyce from DHS, he developed a proposal at the request of Hon Lindiwe Sisulu, MUT’s Chancellor and also Minister of Human Settlements. Prof Babatunde Agbola, the newly appointed Research Chair/Professor in Human Settlement at MUT, said the main focus for the Chair was to conduct research on relevant issues; particularly those raised during the conference, and then advise relevant institutions accordingly. Prof Agbola added that he was going to use the partnerships created through the conference to strengthen his division. The Director General: DHS, Mbulelo Tshangana applauded MUT for accepting the Chair. Neville Chainee, Deputy Director at DHS, said he was particularly touched by Prof Agbola’s commitment. Prof Agbola is held in high esteem by the government officials and the NHBRC that was instrumental in recommending him. The conference delivered papers that spelled out the situation in the housing environment, particularly in KZN. One of the major focuses of the conference was how innovative building technology could be used to provide solutions to the current problems facing the building and housing industry, a point picked up by KZN MEC for Human Settlements, Ravi Pillay.