Miss N Qumbisa, from the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, received the Mid-Career Teaching Award. Pictured with her are the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube (left) and Prof. David Ngidi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning (right).

On 18 October 2024, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, congratulated academics for their outstanding achievement at the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards ceremony. The annual event honours the exceptional contributions made by employees, recognising their dedication and efforts toward realising the university's vision. This year’s ceremony highlighted a commitment to innovation, research, and community engagement.

Prof. Pamela Dube delivered a congratulatory message, expressing her deep appreciation for the recipients' hard work and dedication. "I commend all of you for your enormous contribution to CUT in various areas. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for your support and contributions to our university."

Prof. Dube highlighted CUT’s progress since 2004, acknowledging the University's rise as a leader in research and innovation. "These awards are an important measure of the exceptional performance of our staff in research and innovation, teaching, curriculum innovation, and community engagement. They symbolise the growth we have built over the last twenty years and are a testament to the achievements we have realised on our journey to becoming a top University of Technology in Africa."

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube (left) with Mr L Mokalusi from the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, who received the Innovation Award and Prof. David Ngidi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning (right).

This year’s outstanding recipients included

Ms N Maqache (Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology) – Early Career Teaching Award.

Dr N Qumbisa (Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology) – Mid-Career Teaching Award.

Professor J Swart (Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology) – Advanced Career Teaching Award.

Professor E Markus (Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology) – Mid-Career Research Award.

Professor K Kusakana (Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology) – Established Research Award.

Professor S Oke (Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology) – Community Engagement Award.

Professor B Kuriakose and Mr L Mokalusi (Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology) – Innovation Award.

Ms M Lefera (Faculty of Management Sciences) – Entrepreneurship Award.