In many ways, CUT is contributing towards building capacity within provincial and local government spheres to ensure participatory democracy is realised.  The university is also committed to the development of the region.  The Faculty of Management Sciences through a partnership with the Free State Provincial Government conferred higher Certificate in Community Development Work Programme to 58 graduates from across the province. These graduates are already doing community development work in various localities in the Free State Province as part of the university’s partnership with the Office of the Premier and LGSETA. The programme is currently funded by LGSETA, and managed by Skills Development Facilitator in the Office of the Premier, Ms Victoria Thaela. It was brought into being by the Faculty of Management Sciences when academic staff were approached to offer courses in the community development work. 

The success of this partnership was made possible by the competence and leadership of the following lecturers: Mrs Pulane Molomo, Mr Bongani Magagula, and Mr Logan Munsamy who initiated the programme. About 58 Community Development Workers across the Free State Province obtained Higher Certificates in Community Development Work Programme at the Autumn Graduations Ceremony 2018.  The programme was sponsored by LGSETA and managed by the Office of the Premier. The graduates are flanked by representatives from the Office of the Premier, LGSETA, lecturers, Dean of Management Sciences, Prof. Albert Strydom, Acting CEO of CUTis, Ms Geralda Winkler and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. David Ngidi.