The HEFMA COO/Executives Forum delegates eager to support one another, share insights, and progress together as a unified force.

On 14 August 2025, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), hosted the 3rd Higher Education Facilities Management Association (HEFMA) COO/Executives Forum. The event brought together senior representatives from universities, TVET colleges, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

As part of the forum’s opening engagements, delegates participated in a guided tour of CUT’s advanced innovation ecosystems and centres of excellence. Key highlights included the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM), the Centre for Applied Food Security and Biotechnology (CAFSaB), and the Centre for Sustainable Smart Cities. These facilities reflect CUT’s commitment to applied research and technological advancement, offering practical solutions to societal challenges while fostering strong industry-academic partnerships.

 CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, welcoming the HEFMA COO/Executives Forum delegates.

In her welcome address, Prof. Pamela Dube, CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, emphasised the strategic importance of the forum in aligning institutional operations with external professional bodies, improving resource management, and driving sector-wide efficiencies.

 “This forum is a vital platform for contributing to and leading the strategic goals of our TVET colleges and universities. It helps us navigate current trends, particularly digital transformation, which is central to reshaping our operations, teaching, learning, and research.”

From left: Mr. Lindokuhle Mzolo, Immediate Past President of HEFMA and Dr. David Kanguwe, Chief Operating Officer (COO): Sol Plaatje University.

Mr. Lindokuhle Mzolo, Immediate Past President of HEFMA, highlighted the forum’s role in fostering unity and shared learning across institutions.

“HEFMA is built on the values of peer collaboration and benchmarking. It provides a platform for institutions of higher learning to support one another, share insights, and progress together as a unified force.”

Mr. Mzolo noted the inclusion of TVET colleges in HEFMA’s network, acknowledging the unique challenges they face, particularly in infrastructure maintenance due to limited historical investment. He emphasised the value of learning from universities that have successfully transformed their facilities, offering TVET colleges a roadmap for similar progress.

“Coming together allows us to align, share perspectives, and learn from each other’s journeys. Universities were once in the same position as TVET colleges. Understanding how they turned things around can inspire and guide similar transformations.”

Dr. David Kanguwe, Chief Operating Officer (COO): Sol Plaatje Universityechoed the sentiments, identifying several areas for possible collaboration following the CUT Campus tour.

“CUT’s 21-year legacy offers valuable experience. Their approach to solar and alternative energy is impressive and can benefit newer institutions. Their work on water regulation and campus development, such as the proposed science park in Welkom, offers scalable models for others.”

Dr. Kanguwe said that HEFMA is a powerful benchmarking platform that enables institutions to derive actionable insights for both immediate and long-term implementation. “This forum has truly created a space for meaningful exchange and strategic learning,” he said.

Uploaded: 14 August 2025