The role of Communications and Marketing is to position the Central University of Technology as an engaged university through strategic branding and by showcasing our success stories. We think beyond basic visibility to drive brand recognition and loyalty through active, strategic engagements with both internal and external stakeholders.
Communications by the Numbers (2026)
From the application portal to the newsroom, here is how far the CUT story travelled in 2026.
47.54M
Social Media Impressions
(January to September, up 70% on the same period last year)
1.6M
Website Users
(January to September, averaging 2 minutes 21 seconds per visit)
912
Media Clips
(Broadcast, print, online and global outlets, January to September)
296 668
Applications Received
(2027 cycle, up 14% on the 2026 cycle's 260 768)
Social, website and media figures cover January to September 2026. Application figures compare the April to September application windows for the 2027 and 2026 intake cycles.
Our Core Units
Each of the following units contributes to this overarching mission in distinct, complementary ways:
Media Relations
- Managing the content and extent of CUT coverage in mainstream and regional media.
- Conducting regular media monitoring and analysis.
- Supporting university management and council on media-related activities, including organising press conferences, media briefings, interviews, and issuing official statements.
- Playing an advocacy role by promoting university programmes and influencing the media agenda through our success stories.
Brand and Marketing
- Driving the strategic positioning and visibility of the CUT brand across all touchpoints.
- Leading the planning and execution of impactful events, targeted student recruitment initiatives, and dynamic school liaison activities.
- Showcasing the university’s excellence through carefully curated corporate functions and branded materials that leave a memorable impression.
- Actively engaging with schools across the central region of South Africa to attract talented undergraduate students.
Communications
- Overseeing the overall strategic communication direction of the institution.
- Managing the production and distribution of institutional publications.
- Operating the university newsrooms to share timely, accurate, and relevant updates.
- Providing professional photography services to capture and document campus life, events, and milestones.
Digital Platforms
- Enhancing CUT's visibility and fostering connections through a user-friendly online experience.
- Optimising content, functionality, and information architecture for easy navigation.
- Managing multiple platforms, including the public website and internal SharePoint systems, while assisting users with content updates and strategy.
- Executing a dynamic social media strategy that highlights institutional voices and projects, supported by regular analytics.
A Commitment to Communication Excellence
Since 2013, CUT’s Marketing and Communication team has been a proud member of MACE, the leading body for Marketing, Communication and Advancement practitioners in the Southern African higher education, TVET and private education sectors.
This long-standing membership ensures that our institutional positioning, storytelling and stakeholder engagement are continuously benchmarked against the highest standards of excellence, facilitating transformation and best practices across the sector.
Our Strategic Focus Areas
Promoting Best Practices
Upholding rigorous benchmarks and standards of excellence in everything we communicate, ensuring CUT's messaging is credible, ethical and impactful.
Networking & Partnerships
Facilitating strategic collaborations and transformation among member institutions and key stakeholders across the Southern African education landscape.
Strategic Positioning
Elevating the profile of CUT practitioners and the broader higher education sector through intentional, values-driven institutional advancement.
