Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, shares CUT’s journey and vision for the future with valued partners and friends of the university.

In a celebration of community, collaboration, and commitment to student success, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) held its inaugural Annual Fundraising Gala under the inspiring theme, “Investing in the Future.”

The elegant event, hosted at the CUT Hotel School, brought together esteemed business leaders, corporate partners, alumni, and friends of the university to celebrate how far CUT has come, and to reaffirm a shared belief in what can still be achieved through collective effort.

In her keynote address, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, reflected on CUT’s journey and its vision for the future. “Our mission has been clear and constant-to be a leading African university of technology, shaping the future through innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility,” said Prof. Dube. “However, we all know that it takes more than erecting buildings and laboratories to build a university. A university is built by people with a shared purpose, anchored on strong partnerships. Meaning, it takes a community to build a university-a Community of Builders, working together with a shared purpose.”

Mr Tshepo Mokoena, Artist from Virginia Crafts, showcasing his art pieces.

The Gala aimed to raise funds for three strategic projects that will directly impact students’ lives and ensure holistic support for their academic and personal development:

Student Financial Aid- Supporting academically deserving students who face financial hardship, thereby increasing access to higher education and reducing dropout rates due to financial constraints.

Student Wellbeing- Investing in programmes and initiatives that promote mental health, holistic wellness, and overall student support services to ensure students thrive during their academic journey.

Digital Infrastructure- Supporting and enhancing digital infrastructure to ensure CUT remains a modern, inclusive, and future-ready institution, equipping every student with the tools and technology they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

“Together, these three projects form the foundation upon which our vision for the future stands,” Prof. Dube emphasised. “Addressing them is not optional; it is imperative. Tonight, as we gather under the theme ‘Investing in the Future,’ we affirm our shared responsibility to build a university where every student has the opportunity, the support, and the tools they need to succeed.”

From Left: Mr Setumo Llale, CUT Executive Director:  Resources and Operations and Mr Pappie Floyd Lapie from Mookodi Resources and Security.

“At CUT, we believe that no student should be denied the opportunity to learn, grow, or build a future because of financial constraints. Through events like the Annual Fundraising Gala, the university continues to strengthen partnerships that turn this belief into action- investing not only in facilities and innovation, but in the lives and dreams of our students,” Prof. Dube concluded.

MTN Representatives from left: Zani Mzamo, Brian Nel and Moey Mohapi.

Partners and friends of the university who supported the fundraising initiative included Maliepo Construction, ⁠Repair Holdings, ⁠Astra Travels, ⁠Private Student Accommodation Committee, ⁠FNB, ⁠ABSA, ⁠Standard Bank, ⁠Nedbank, ⁠MTN, ⁠Telkom, ⁠Vodacom, ⁠Mercedes Benz, ⁠Virginia Crafts and ⁠Pro Fans Auctioneers.

Mr Konstable Selebedi, CUT Alumni President and Ms Mitchelle Khabele from Maliepo Construction.

To support student access and opportunity through the CUT Annual Fund, visit: https://www.cut.ac.za/Donate/annual-fund.

Uploaded: 31 October 2025