Attendees at the 7th Annual Transformation Summit.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), through its Institutional Renewal and Transformation Unit, hosted its 7th Annual Transformation Summit under the theme, “From Vision to Action: Driving Transformation Through Collaboration and Accountability”. The annual summit reflected on the progress of institutional transformation while strengthening collaboration and accountability across the university.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, described the summit as an important platform for reflection, engagement and collective action, bringing the university community together to assess progress, strengthen partnerships and reaffirm its commitment to building an institution that is inclusive, innovative and accountable. She emphasised that the university has moved beyond planning to implementation, noting that “transformation is measured not by the quality of our plans, but by the impact of our actions.” She further highlighted that the CUT Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and the Institutional Renewal and Transformation Plan provide a clear roadmap for transforming lives, shaping society and embedding transformation across the university ecosystem.

Delivering the keynote address on “The Future of Transformation in Higher Education: From Policy to Institutional Practice,” Dr Claire Kelly, Director: Equity and Institutional Culture at Rhodes University, challenged delegates to reflect on what the future of transformation in higher education demands beyond policy commitments. She highlighted that the transformation agenda facing universities is becoming increasingly complex, requiring institutions to move beyond compliance towards meaningful institutional practice.

She mentioned the importance of placing humanity at the centre of transformation, reminding delegates that meaningful institutional change is ultimately about people and the lived experiences that shape university communities. Drawing on her own experiences, she reflected on the complexity of the spaces inherited by transformation practitioners across higher education, acknowledging that those leading transformation often navigate deeply rooted institutional cultures while responding to evolving societal expectations. Dr Kelly encouraged universities to approach transformation with empathy, critical reflection and collaboration, ensuring that institutional change is both people-centred and responsive to the diverse realities of staff and students.

She added that while policy frameworks remain essential, they must be supported by strong theoretical foundations and translated into everyday institutional practice. “Universities must critically examine the assumptions that shape transformation work, strengthen the frameworks that guide institutional change and ensure that transformation commitments result in measurable action and meaningful lived experiences across university communities.”

Reinforcing this year’s theme, she said that transformation cannot be confined to policies or dedicated transformation offices but should be embedded throughout the university ecosystem. She called for leadership, staff and students to work collectively in creating environments where equity, inclusion and accountability become part of everyday institutional practice. “Sustainable transformation depends on institutions that are willing to engage in critical self-reflection, embrace diverse perspectives and remain responsive to the changing needs of society,” she said.

The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to translating vision into action through collaboration, accountability and shared leadership. As CUT continues to implement its Strategic Plan 2026-2030, the 7th Annual Transformation Summit reaffirmed that lasting institutional transformation is achieved when vision is supported by purposeful action, collective responsibility and a shared commitment to building an inclusive university where people remain at the heart of transformation.

By Matshediso Tsunke and Mandisa Lidziya

Photo Credit: Mandisa Lidziya