The Hlanganani Show

Mvelo Hadebe was joined by Mr. Siyabonga Radebe for an empowering conversation on men’s health and wellness. The discussion focused on the importance of men prioritizing both their mental and physical health, breaking the stigma around emotional vulnerability, and encouraging open conversations about well-being.

Mr. Radebe also highlighted crucial topics such as prostate cancer awareness, including early detection, risk factors, and the importance of regular screenings. He further emphasized how lifestyle choices like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental health check-ins can make a lasting difference.

The interview concluded with a powerful message urging men to take charge of their health and reminding families and communities to actively support men in their wellness journey. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Gabriel Inkakha opens up about the very first time he encountered a microphone, the story behind how he chose his stage name, and who his favorite actor is. He also takes us through the journey and experiences that inspired his latest release, Ngifuna Ukwaziwa, featuring Young Cannibal, Fanatic, and Boxis. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Mvelo Hadebe was joined by musician Okwanda, who shared her inspiring musical journey and the passion that drives her sound. She spoke about the success of her smash hit “Iphathaphatha”, giving listeners a glimpse into the story behind the song and how it has shaped her growing career.

Okwanda also teased her upcoming EP, highlighting what fans can expect and the creative direction she is taking as she continues to evolve as an artist. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Mvelo Hadebe was joined by Steven Cordan and Sylvia Hannan from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) for an engaging discussion on engaged scholarship and the role of research in bridging knowledge gaps for societal impact.

They shared insights into how the HSRC collaborates with universities and communities to co-create knowledge, integrate lived experiences into research, and ensure findings inform meaningful policy and action. Both highlighted the importance of partnerships with institutions like MUT, particularly in supporting historically disadvantaged communities and advancing socially responsive research.

The conversation also explored pressing societal challenges, including inequality, social cohesion, and community development, while emphasizing the future of engaged scholarship and the ongoing role of national research bodies in driving transformative change across South Africa. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Mvelo Hadebe was also joined by Dineo Mokoena, a Junior Lecturer from UCT currently pursuing her Master’s degree. She briefly touched on her presentation, offering insight into her research focus and how it aligns with the goals of the Scholarship of Engagement Conference.

Dineo highlighted the importance of young academics contributing to socially responsive scholarship and discussed how platforms like this conference help bridge knowledge gaps through collaboration and community-centered research. Her reflections added a valuable emerging-scholar perspective to the conversation, emphasizing the role of postgraduate research in driving meaningful societal impact. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Mvelo Hadebe was also joined by Bongekile, an MUT student who shared key highlights from her presentation at the Scholarship of Engagement Conference. She spoke about the importance of creating platforms that amplify student voices and deepen engagement between the university and surrounding communities.

Bongekile further emphasized how MUT can strengthen its offering through programmers such as Work Integrated Learning (WIL), noting that such initiatives equip students with practical experience, enhance employability, and support the university’s commitment to producing socially responsive graduates. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Mvelo Hadebe was also joined by MUT Nature Conservation students, Banele Sibisi and Anela Matikinca, who shared their reflections on the Inaugural Scholarship of Engagement Conference. Both students spoke about the importance of student involvement in community-driven research and how the conference broadened their understanding of engaged scholarship.

Anela Matikinca highlighted key points from her presentation, offering valuable insight into the environmental challenges facing communities and the role young conservationists can play in addressing them. Their contributions added a meaningful student perspective to the conversation, reinforcing the importance of empowering emerging scholars to shape the future of engagement and societal impact. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Mvelo Hadebe was joined by Professor Lizelle Ramaccio Calvino from UNIZULU, who delivered a powerful discussion on empowering rural communities through legal education and consumer-rights awareness. Her insights aligned strongly with the conference theme, “Bridging the Knowledge Gap for Maximum Societal Impact,” highlighting the crucial role that engaged scholarship plays in advancing social justice.

Professor Calvino unpacked the systemic barriers rural communities face in accessing legal information and emphasised the importance of accessible, community-driven legal education. She also spoke about strategies used to simplify complex legal concepts, ensuring that communities are not only informed but truly empowered to advocate for themselves. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Mvelo Hadebe was joined by Professor B. Nkonki-Mandleni, Director of CEAD, for an in-depth discussion on the planning and vision behind the Inaugural Scholarship of Engagement Conference at Mangosuthu University of Technology.

Professor Nkonki-Mandleni unpacked what inspired MUT to host this conference at such a crucial moment in the institution’s transformation journey, and explained how the theme “Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Advancing the Scholarship of Engagement for Maximum Societal Impact” was carefully shaped to respond to the needs of communities, students and the broader higher education sector.

She also highlighted the role of CEAD in driving engaged scholarship, the importance of integrating community voices, and the collaboration required to bring together academics, practitioners, students, and partners. Professor Nkonki-Mandleni further reflected on the conference, its expected impact on MUT’s academic direction, and the future of engagement-led research and curriculum development. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm

Mvelo Hadebe was joined by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Mangosuthu University of Technology for an insightful conversation ahead of the Inaugural Scholarship of Engagement Conference. The discussion unpacked the significance of the conference in MUT’s ongoing transformation journey and the institution’s mission to bridge knowledge gaps for greater societal impact.

The Vice-Chancellor reflected on MUT’s legacy as a historically disadvantaged institution and how this history continues to shape its commitment to community engagement, knowledge co-creation, and socially responsive scholarship. She highlighted the university’s strategic focus on embedding engagement into teaching, research, and innovation, ensuring that students are prepared to become active citizens and problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world.

The Vice-Chancellor closed with a powerful message to delegates, partners, and communities, affirming MUT’s determination to lead nationally in transformative, impact, and inclusive engagement. www.mut.ac.za · iono.fm