CUT, through its Centre for Global Engagement (CGE), continues to strengthen its position as a globally engaged African University of Technology. Guided by Vision 2030, the Centre has achieved significant milestones in advancing internationalisation through strategic partnerships, Internationalisation at Home initiatives, staff and student mobility programmes, collaborative research, and active participation in national and international higher education networks

Among its notable achievements in 2026 was the successful hosting of CUT's first fully online Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with Sigma University in India, expanding collaboration within the Global South in key fields such as Information Technology, Hospitality and Tourism, and Art and Design.

The Centre also enhanced CUT's presence in East Africa through strategic engagements with the Kenyan Education Attaché, creating opportunities for collaboration with institutions such as Zetech University while strengthening existing partnerships with Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST). Furthermore, the official launch of its French–South African Institute of Technology (F'SATI) node created new opportunities for collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, applied research, innovation, and mobility programmes.

These achievements reflect the visionary leadership and strategic direction of Senior Director, Dr Valindawo V. M. Dwayi. Under his leadership, the Centre has accelerated the university's internationalisation agenda while expanding its influence and visibility within the higher education sector.

Dr Dwayi's scholarly contributions have also strengthened CUT's international profile. Through collaborative research and publications focusing on girls' education, climate change, health, and broader African development challenges, he has contributed meaningfully to knowledge production on issues of continental significance. His international standing was further affirmed when the publication ‘Celebrating 5 Years of African Science Frontiers Initiatives: Scholars' Experiences’ received the Best Perspective Paper Award from the African Science Frontiers Initiatives Research Journal (ASFIRJ).

Furthermore, Dr Dwayi has enhanced CUT's visibility and influence in higher education policy and governance, and internationalisation through several prestigious appointments. These include serving on the Council on Higher Education's Management of Qualifications Committee (MQC), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Internationalisation Reference Group, the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) Council and Governing Council, the SANORD Research and Seed Funding Working Group, and the South Africa-Sweden University Forum (SASUF) International Advisory Committee.

Collectively, these accomplishments demonstrate his commitment to advancing internationalisation, research excellence, innovation, strategic partnerships, and Africa-centred knowledge production. His leadership continues to strengthen CUT's contribution to higher education transformation and its growing impact both on the African continent and beyond.