“Let’s move beyond conversations” MEC Ketso Makume urge stakeholders to drive innovation, collaboration and impactful service delivery that transforms communities at the 8th Annual Free State Provincial Research Colloquium held at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT).

 

Researchers from universities across the province, alongside key stakeholders from Free State Government departments, gathered at the 8th Annual Free State Provincial Research Colloquium to tackle some of the region’s most pressing developmental challenges. The two-day event served as a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas and exploring research-driven solutions aimed at building a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Under the theme “Inclusive Economic Recovery and Long-Term Growth,” the colloquium focused on fostering meaningful dialogue and sharing insights on how to design and implement effective fiscal policies that can steer the provincial economy toward sustainable growth. Discussions centred around improving governance, curbing wasteful expenditure, enhancing public service delivery, and embracing technological innovation to drive progress.

In her welcome address, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, highlighted the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement in driving meaningful change.

“The support and active involvement of stakeholders across sectors have allowed us to deepen our research impact, strengthen collaborative networks, and shape policies that are both evidence-based and future-oriented. This engagement is part of an ongoing journey; one we hope will continue to generate actionable insights and sustainable outcomes for the province.”

Prof. Setlalentoa also noted that this year’s theme aligns seamlessly with the Free State’s developmental agenda and CUT’s mission to harness applied research and innovation for the betterment of society.

MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Hon. Ketso Makume, stressed the importance of translating research into action. “The challenges in our country persist partly because we don’t invest enough effort into research. Research must translate into action.”

Makume called for stronger collaboration across academia, government, and the private sector, noting that the colloquium must produce tangible outcomes. “We cannot work in silos. The nature of our problem compels us to collaborate and share experiences. For eight consecutive years, this platform has served as a beacon of intellectual exchange, providing opportunities for students, scholars, and practitioners to present research that is responsive to our developmental needs.”

He added that the colloquium creates a space where ideas lead to action, research informs policy, and innovation drives service delivery, particularly in addressing one of the government’s key challenges-service delivery.

He highlighted a powerful example of how research can drive real-world change: the collaborative project between CUT and the local municipality to address the persistent issue of potholes, an ongoing concern discussed at previous colloquiums. “What began as a research conversation has evolved into a practical solution, enhancing road conditions and improving daily life for communities. This is a clear reminder that when universities and government collaborate, research doesn’t remain confined to paper, it becomes action. This initiative demonstrates how applied research can directly improve infrastructure, boost service delivery, and create meaningful impact in societies.”

“I am confident that this colloquium will generate actionable insights to ignite our provincial economy, inspire innovative policy, and promote sustainable job creation. We must strengthen the bridge between knowledge and implementation to ensure that research produced within our institutions find expression in our government policy, community empowerment, and private sector investment.”

Uploaded: 08 October 2025