The International Office at CUT launched the International Student Association (ISA) on 08 May 2015. The celebration is in commemoration of Africa month that was launched by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Honourable Nathi Mthethwa in April 2015.  

CUT considers this launch as an important development toward the integration of international students into the broader CUT community.  It also supports the internationalization strategy of the University which calls for the globalization of its academic offerings. Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Thandwa Mthembu said: “for us to be a ‘cut above the rest’, we have to ensure that we increase the number of our international staff and students to the set target of 10% and ensure that they are secured, comfortable and well supported in all they do. CUT is everyone’s campus and the world is a global village where everyone should live together in peace and harmony.” Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Research, Prof. Henk de Jager echoed the same sentiments stating that the purpose of launching the association is to also promote student and staff exchange as well as instilling internalisation into the curriculum. “We are Africa and we want to produce graduates that will be global citizens,” he concluded. Julius Akaba, ISA chairperson and MTech student said that the purpose of the association is to create equality and make all international students integrated as new members of CUT family. He further encouraged the students to support one another and assist those who are struggling academically. “We are one family, let us all unite, and speak in one voice and one language so that we can be loud enough to be heard,” Akaba said. 

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From left: Mr Emanuel Iwuchukwu, Project and Campaign officer; Ms Makatleho Pheko, Finance Officer; Ms Matumelo Leqala, Welfare officer; Ms Katloho Pakose, Secretary; Ms Mothepane Seqhobane, Deputy Chairperson; and Julius Akaba, Chairperson.