Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Pamela Dube (front row center) is MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure: Ms Dibolelo Mahlatsi (front row left), Minister of Basic Education: Ms Siviwe Gwarube, MEC for Education: Dr Mantlhake Maboya, MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation: Ms. Ntobizanele Sifuba, Morena Mota, Basotho Traditional House, MEC for Finance, Tourism & Economic Development: Mr. Ketso Makume and other dignitaries at the Free State G20 Education Indaba held at the Central University of Technology, Free State.

As South Africa steps into the global spotlight as the G20 chair for the first time, the conversation about education, skills, and innovation has found its way to the heart of the Free State. The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) played host to an important gathering- the Free State Provincial Education Indaba, bringing together government officials, traditional leaders, business representatives, and international delegates to tackle pressing education challenges and lay the foundation for a sustainable future as the world looks ahead to the 2025 G20 Johannesburg Summit.

CUT was honoured to host this critical event in support the Department of Education and contribute meaningfully to the G20 agenda. Professor David Ngidi, CUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, reaffirmed delegates about the university’s mandate in supporting the Department of Education. He emphasised that CUT is fully committed to supporting three vital education priorities: ensuring quality foundational learning, promoting mutual recognition of qualifications across borders, and advancing professional development in a rapidly changing world.

Professor David Ngidi, CUT Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the G20 Free State Provincial Education Indaba.

“This isn’t just about quick wins,” Prof. Ngidi explained. “It’s a strategic investment that will deliver long-lasting benefits not only for the Free State province but for South Africa as a whole.”

The Indaba also showcased CUT’s expanding network of partnerships. The university’s collaboration with NEMISA CoLab has already empowered thousands of young people with essential digital skills. Meanwhile, its partnership with Microsoft has seen more than 1,300 graduates’ complete courses in Digital Literacy and Data Science in just over a year.

Beyond the immediate benefits of the G20 platform, Prof. Ngidi highlighted the deeper value for CUT. “This opportunity helps us raise our international profile, expand our global network, and unlock access to technology transfer, funding, and joint research,” he said. The collaboration also aligns perfectly with national and continental development plans like Agenda 2063 and South Africa’s broader skills development priorities.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Pamela Dube with Dr Mafu Rakometsi, CEO of Umalusi.

For CUT, the Indaba was more than an event, it was a call to action. A chance for government, universities, and partners to come together and build an agile, efficient, and capable education system fit for the future.

As the countdown to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg continues, the Free State Provincial Indaba sends a powerful message: South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not just about diplomatic photograph opportunity or global stage appearances, it is about shining a light on local innovation and bold ideas that can reshape education worldwide.

From Bloemfontein to the global arena, CUT is grabbing this opportunity with both hands, proving that when technology, partnerships, and vision come together, the future of education looks brighter than ever.

Uploaded: 15 August 2025