The Central University of Technology, Free State hosted local media from Bloemfontein, to continue the good working relationship the university has established with the various local houses. Attendees included media colleagues from broadcast, digital and print media, who were welcomed by CUT executives and various unit leaders. The event took place at the CUT Hotel School, where guests were treated to world-class service from one of the leading hotel schools in South Africa.

Dr Gary Paul, CUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources and Operations stated that the university values collaborations of this nature, especially given the unique nuances, socially economically, and politically in this region. “We’ve extended this invitation to engage with you informally, casually. Today we are hosting this function exclusively for you as representatives from the media. You’ve been with us on several occasions where we’ve shared our plans with you in response to COVID-19, NSFAS issues, and so on. Today is more about what CUT is doing, but quietly. I always say to my colleagues that CUT punches far above its weight. It will be evident to you when you walk around our campus, and when you listen to our presenters today. We believe it’s in the best interest of the higher education sector and the media that we nurture healthy relations.

The engagement included presentations on the current work being done by the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM), the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS), a tour of the Idea Generator (i-Gym) and the FabLab. As well visual representations of the life-changing difference the Medical Device Additive Manufacturing Technology Demonstrator Project (MedAdd) has made in the lives of ordinary South Africans.

The University also took the opportunity to boast about their Solar Plant system which provided 323Ton carbon savings and a cost saving of R 870 898.73 for 2019. The media and CUT executives were then afforded the opportunity to engage further on ways to share CUT’s important work with our communities.

Captions

1: Dr Gary Paul, CUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources and Operations addressing the media representative guests at CUT's Hotel School.

2: Team members from CRPM, PDTS and i-Gym at the event.

3: Media representatives listening to presentation at the i-Gym where we develop and support entrepreneurs and their ideas for commercialisation.