CUT HR Summit bridges the gap between classroom and workplace: Ms Mabo Malaza, Head of Learning, Development and Transformation at Harmony Gold Mining, delivers the keynote address, emphasising the importance of placing people at the centre of the future of work.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), through its Business Management Department in the Faculty of Management Sciences, brought students, industry leaders and Human Resources (HR) professionals together on 12 August 2026 for an engaging HR Summit held under the theme, “Navigating the Evolving World of Work.”

Designed to prepare students for the realities of a rapidly changing workplace, the summit provided a valuable platform for connecting academic learning with professional practice. Through thought-provoking discussions, industry insights and networking opportunities, students gained practical perspectives on technology, workplace culture, leadership, change and the skills required to remain relevant and competitive in an evolving world of work.

Welcoming participants, Welkom Campus Principal, Prof. Mzikayise Binza, emphasised that the transformation of the workplace is already underway. “The future of work is not there; it is here,” he said, highlighting the growing influence of technology, digital transformation and changing organisational cultures. He also underscored the importance of understanding people and workplace culture, reaffirming the critical role HR professionals play in shaping organisational performance and building workplaces that are responsive to change.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms Mabo Malaza, Head of Learning, Development and Transformation at Harmony Gold Mining, placed the human element at the centre of conversations about the future of work. Reflecting on the rapid advancement of technology and its impact on organisations, Malaza cautioned against allowing technological progress to overshadow the people who ultimately drive organisational success. “The point is human. We can talk about technology, and the investment organisations are making in technology, but anything that is about the human system needs to be given the attention it deserves.”

Her keynote highlighted the importance of human capability, adaptability and continuous learning as organisations navigate technological disruption and changing workplace expectations. She encouraged students to take ownership of their professional development by building meaningful networks, embracing lifelong learning and continuously strengthening the skills needed to adapt and thrive.

Being future-ready is not only about understanding technology, but about developing the people, adaptability, relationships and lifelong learning mindset needed to thrive alongside it. Pictured: Nokwanda Maphumulo, an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management student, engaged with industry representatives, asking insightful questions and gaining valuable insights into opportunities beyond the classroom. These meaningful interactions helped students build greater confidence as they prepare to navigate their transition from university to the workplace.

The summit further strengthened the partnership between CUT and industry through a series of presentations and discussions addressing some of the most pressing issues shaping today’s workplace. Key conversations explored building positive workplace cultures in the digital era, managing diverse and multigenerational teams, navigating organisational change and advancing professional development in Human Resources.

Contributions from industry partners and participating organisations, including Harmony Gold Mining, Pep Stores, SOLA Group and the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP), gave students an opportunity to hear directly from professionals navigating these challenges in their respective fields. These engagements brought theoretical concepts to life, giving students a clearer understanding of what the workplace demands and how they can use their knowledge, skills and perspectives to make meaningful contributions to organisations and communities.

Beyond the presentations and panel discussions, the HR Summit created a direct platform for students to engage with industry through an exhibition featuring participating and invited organisations. Students interacted with company representatives to explore graduate programmes, internships, learnerships, bursaries and employment opportunities, while gaining valuable insight into recruitment processes, career pathways and organisational cultures. For many students, these conversations offered more than information, they provided an opportunity to ask questions, build professional connections and gain confidence in positioning themselves for the world of work.

By bringing the classroom and workplace into the same space, the HR Summit demonstrated the value of meaningful university-industry collaboration in preparing graduates for an increasingly dynamic employment landscape.