The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), launched its first Vice-Chancellor’s Business Breakfast of 2026 in Bloemfontein, bringing together key government stakeholders to strengthen partnerships that drive inclusive growth, student success, innovation and sustainable regional development. Building on the success of the 2025 series, which focused on industry collaboration, this year’s engagement marks a strategic shift towards deepening government relations to advance shared development priorities.

In her address, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, outlined CUT’s vision of a future-focused University of Technology that responds to societal challenges through innovation, impactful research, entrepreneurship and technology-enhanced education.

Emphasising the critical role of collaboration between academia and government, Prof. Dube highlighted the Pothole Eradication Programme as a flagship example of how research and innovation can be translated into meaningful societal impact. Through this initiative, CUT has leveraged its technical expertise and cutting-edge solutions to support government efforts in improving road infrastructure, strengthening service delivery, and advancing sustainable community development. The programme reflects the University's commitment to harnessing knowledge and innovation to address real-world challenges and contribute to national development priorities.

Dr Molifinyane Phera, Director-General in the Free State Provincial Government

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Molifinyane Phera, Director-General in the Free State Provincial Government, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing skills development, economic growth, and social impact. He cited the tripartite partnership between the Free State Provincial Government, merSETA and CUT as a powerful example of collaboration delivering tangible results. Through this partnership, R57 million has been committed towards settling the historical debt of 589 CUT students, enabling them to graduate and participate more fully in the economy.

Dr Phera further emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration in creating Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, recognising their critical role in enhancing student success, improving employability, and accelerating graduates' readiness for the world of work. He noted that closer cooperation between government, industry and higher education institutions is essential to developing the skilled workforce required to support the province's growth and development agenda.

Phera also pointed to the Free State Advanced Manufacturing Skills and Prototyping Initiative as a strategic example of the value created through collaboration between government and CUT. He noted that the initiative draws on the university's specialised expertise through the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM), positioning the Free State to capitalise on emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing and innovation. He identified advanced manufacturing, medical technologies, industrial prototyping, green hydrogen manufacturing, localisation, and emerging industrial value chains as key drivers of regional economic development, job creation, and industrial growth.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Business Breakfast reaffirmed the power of strategic partnerships between higher education and government in shaping a more prosperous and inclusive future. By bringing together leaders from academia and the public sector, the engagement strengthened a shared commitment to driving innovation, advancing skills development, accelerating economic growth and delivering sustainable solutions that create lasting impact for communities across the Free State and beyond.

As the university continues to strengthen partnerships with government and other key stakeholders, the Vice-Chancellor’s Business Breakfast remains a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and inclusive development. The engagement reinforced a shared commitment to advancing skills development, driving economic growth, fostering innovation and delivering sustainable solutions that create lasting impact for communities across the Free State and beyond.