THE CENTRE FOR COMMUNITY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT (CECID)

Information: The centre operates under the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences at the CUT. The overarching aim of the centre is to act as an extension through which the institutional mandate of community engagement and knowledge transfer can be affected. In addition, the centre seeks to provide a platform for personnel and students to engage in activities that bridges the chasm between academic knowledge and practical application. Services: Within the general theme highlighted in the title, the services rendered by the centre include mainly consultative, training, research (surveys) and analytical activities within the following disciplines: 1) Food Safety; 2) Agricultural Management; Occupational Health and Safety; 3) Water, Sanitation and Waste; and 4) Community Development. In terms of expertise, the centre mainly utilises the personnel and students in the School for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences as well as experts from other faculties and departments such as the Centre for Business Development and the Institutional Research Institute. Outside consultants are also contracted if needed. The centre boasts a comprehensive business plan approved by the relevant Faculty Board and Senate while Executive and Steering Committees oversee the various activities. Financial and legal aspects are monitored and regulated by the institutional policies and procedures of the CUT and involve inputs from, amongst others, the sections Financial Management and Services, as well as Legal Council. Successes: The centre has to date successfully delivered many projects in collaboration with, and on behalf of funding agencies such as the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), the Old Mutual Foundation, the Free State Department of Social Development, Chris Hani District Municipality, Ukhahlamba District Municipality, Mangaung Municipality, Ceres Fruit Juices, Coca Cola, M o reson Eggs and Dairy Belle. Contact: Prof JFR Lues, P/Bag X20539, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, 9300; +2751 5073145; rlues@cut.ac.za.

 

			Environmental Health students conducting a food safety awareness programme for CECID and Old Mutual amongst street vendors in the Bloemfontein CBD. They are accompanied by, amongst others, the lecturers in the subjects Community Development I & II and Environmental Pollution III.