Prof. Mlamuli Hlatshwayo delivers a compelling keynote address on navigating neoliberal pressure in higher education during the 2^nd Annual Research Winter School.

The Central University of Technology Welkom Campus proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Research Winter School on 30 June 2025, under the theme: “We Cannot Be Ignored.” The hybrid programme brought together early-career researchers, postgraduate students, mentors, supervisors to instil the culture of research development and inclusive learning.

In his welcome address, Prof. Mzikayise Binza, Director: Academic Enterprise and Services, mentioned that the Winter Research School is in line with CUT’s 2026 – 2030 strategy, which focuses on transformation, innovation and excellence. “You are here today not just to attend the Winter Research School, but to build your skills and acquire knowledge. You are also here to build resilience, intellectual agility, and ethical responsibility,” he said.

Prof. Bekithemba Dube, Director of the Centre for Diversity in Higher Education and project owner, highlighted the importance of building a strong research culture at CUT. He mentioned that one of the outcomes of the programme was producing 25 academic articles, which he said was a sign of growing scholarly engagement. “Our goal is to strengthen a vibrant, research-led culture across campuses to ensure that our scholars are recognised both locally and internationally. We are intentional about what we want to achieve, and I believe that we are in the right path,” he said.  Dube added, “our focus is on shaping a brand of scholars who are intellectually vibrant, ethically grounded and academically influential.

CUT’s 2^nd Annual Research Winter School brought together passionate researchers and scholars united in advancing academic excellence and innovation.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Mlamuli Nkosingphile Hlatshwayo, NRF C2-rated researcher and Associate Professor at the Ali Mazrui Centre for Higher Education Studies- University of Johannesburg, challenged academics to rethink the role of the university in the face of growing market pressures. He highlighted the dangers of neoliberalism in higher education, where universities risk becoming business-driven institutions rather than spaces for critical inquiry. He also criticised unethical supervision, calling it “intellectual theft” when students' work is used without acknowledgement.

Now in its second year, the CUT Welkom Research Winter School continues to grow in purpose and participation. It will continue throughout the week, offering workshops, presentations, and discussions to empower CUT’s next generation of researchers.

Uploaded: 02 July 2025