The Central University of Technology (CUT) is proud to welcome Dr Marcia Lebambo as the new Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Unit (EDU), effective January 2026.

Recognised as one of News24’s Top 100 Nelson Mandela of the Future, she brings a powerful blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, and social impact to CUT. She has held senior academic roles at Tshwane University of Technology, UNISA, and the University of Johannesburg, where she played a key role in advancing entrepreneurship education and innovation.

Driven by a passion for youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth, Dr Lebambo mentors emerging entrepreneurs and focuses her research on small business development, rural and digital entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship policy, and tourism enterprises. She is a published researcher, an experienced postgraduate supervisor, and an active collaborator.

Beyond the university space, she is an education activist and philanthropist, leading transformative initiatives through the Dr Marcia Lebambo Foundation and the Dr Marcia Lebambo Academy to expand access to quality education.

As Director of EDU, Dr Lebambo will spearhead CUT’s mission to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, unlock opportunities, and empower students and communities across the Free State to drive sustainable economic growth.

To explore the programmes and initiatives offered by the Entrepreneurship Development Unit, visit: https://www.cut.ac.za/department/edu