L-R: Professors Anish Kurien (TUT), Elisha Markus (CUT), Eric Monacceli (UVSQ), Wendy Setlalentoa (CUT), Vathiswa Papu (TUT), and Abdel Raof, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ). 

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), has officially joined the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) network, an exciting step forward in CUT’s journey toward global innovation, research excellence, and international collaboration.

 F’SATI is a postgraduate institute based in South Africa, formed through a collaborative partnership between French and South African institutions. The institute focuses on postgraduate education, advanced research, and innovation, particularly within engineering and technology-related fields.

This milestone was confirmed during the annual F’SATI Executive Management Board (EMB) meeting held at the historic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) headquarters in Paris, France. The meeting brought together key decision-makers and academic leaders from both South Africa and France, united by a shared vision of advancing technology and education across borders.

CUT’s inclusion in the F’SATI network opens doors to a wealth of opportunities from access to cutting-edge research and international funding to collaboration with top-tier French universities and industry partners. This partnership is set to elevate the university’s role as a catalyst for innovation in the central region.

“This strategic partnership will enable us to leverage F’SATI’s expertise and resources, driving innovation and technological advancements in the Central region. As a leading UoT in the technological landscape, CUT’s membership in F’SATI will undoubtedly enhance our research and development capabilities. Being a product of F’SATI myself, I am excited and look forward to the great opportunities that this partnership will bring!” said Prof. Elisha Markus, Interim Director: CUT Artificial Intelligence hub.

CUT’s application was presented by Prof. Setlalentoa, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, and Engagement, under the theme: “Advancing Innovation Through Strategic Collaboration: CUT & F’SATI.” The presentation addressed three key focus areas: Benefits for CUT in joining the F’SATI programme; CUT’s unique value proposition to French partners; and Existing and prospective partnerships with French institutions.

Following the presentation, the EMB unanimously approved CUT’s application, officially welcoming the university into the F’SATI network.

“As CUT, we are honoured to be part of this dynamic and forward-thinking network, and we are looking forward to deepening our collaboration with partner institutions in both France and South Africa. Through this strategic collaboration, we will also be able to broaden our international footprint, enhance its research and innovation capabilities, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science, technology, and industry, both locally and globally,” said Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, acting DVC: Research Innovation and Engagement.

The partnership will be formally cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the upcoming F’SATI EMB meeting scheduled to take place in November 2025 at Pretoria. This will mark the beginning of a new era of academic and technological cooperation between CUT and its French counterparts.