Photo: Cllr Gregory Nthatisi, Acting Executive Mayor: Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Central University of Technology and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) renewed their long-standing relationship and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 27 June 2023. 

For the university, the MoU signing is a continuation of broader objectives that the university signed in 2016 with the Former Executive Mayor. By renewing the agreement, it pledges CUT’s committed approach to work closely with the municipality as a way of reaching common goals, combined activities, and cardio relationships between the two parties.

The proposed collaboration between the parties includes addressing MMM IDP priority needs, addressing District Development Model 6 Priority Goals, training and skills development, research and innovation, infrastructure projects, consultation services, city planning and development, economic development/start-up companies/SMMEs, science and innovation ecosystems and entities, and creating opportunities for local graduates of both institutions to improve people's development.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, mentioned that the MoU signing between the university and Mangaung Metro Municipality is a testament to CUT’s collective commitment to creating a network that will allow the university to remain grounded within the Mangaung community. “I am very delighted to be part of this MoU signing and to share in the joint collaborative engagements that we have with the Metro”, she said.

Prof. Dube further mentioned that the university acknowledges that the provisions of the MoU will meaningfully contribute to the development of the Free State Province. “By refreshing and renewing this agreement here today, it pledges our committed approach to work more closely together, which will allow us to reach our common goals of combined activities and cordial relationships between us.”

Cllr Gregory Nthatisi, Acting Executive Mayor: Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, stated that he is very pleased to be part of the MoU signing between the two institutions as it highlights a comprehensive partnership for reclaiming a glorious Mangaung in this critical period from 2023 to 2026.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the leadership of the campus for their enduring support, which encourages us to be here and continue the just cause of a better life for all”, said the acting Mayor.

Cllr Nthatisi added that the partnership prioritises the exploration of techniques ideal for the effective implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which guides and informs all that is done by the municipality. “Ours is to create an enabling environment in order to encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation in Mangaung. To achieve this, we need people with the technical know-how while we play our part in ensuring the success of this partnership,” he said.

Photo: Dr Nepo Masithela, General Manager: Inter-Governmental Relation, Prof. David Ngidi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Dr Sally Dzingwa: Institutional Registrar, Mr Vusi Soqaga: MMC Infrastructure, Cllr Gregory Nthatisi, MMM: Acting Executive Mayor, Prof. Pamela Dube: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, DVC: Research Innovation and Engagement, Ms Gugu Malaza, National Cabinet Representative and Ms Zelda Uwah, Manager Special Projects: CUTis.