CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, joined by the Bloemfontein and Welkom Campus SRC at the launch of CUT’s scholarship initiative supporting financially vulnerable students.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has taken a significant step toward its Vision 2030 of becoming a truly student-centred university. On 27 May 2026, Vice‑Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube, together with the Student Representative Council (SRC), launched a transformative scholarship initiative to support financially vulnerable students.

In her address, Prof. Dube emphasised that the institution’s responsibility extends beyond producing graduates. “We must shape ethical leaders, innovators, and professionals who can contribute meaningfully to society. Yet talent alone is not enough when students are burdened by unpaid tuition, housing challenges, and food insecurity,” she said.

She added that the purpose of the luncheon is to mobilise partnerships, expand scholarship opportunities, and secure sustainable support systems to ensure that no deserving student is left behind.

Through its partnership with the SRC, the university continues to redefine student-centredness by positioning students as active partners in developing solutions rather than passive recipients of support. The university has also called on partners, donors, and stakeholders to invest meaningfully in student potential. “Supporting a student is not charity,” said Prof. Dube. “It is an investment in a future graduate, a future leader, and ultimately, the future of our nation.”

Students who have benefited from bursaries spoke about the tangible impact on their academic journeys. Vhukudo Sadiki, a BankSeta beneficiary currently completing her final year in Computer Networking, shared that receiving funding in 2023 was a turning point in her life. “This opportunity gave me confidence that hard work and perseverance are recognised,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the support, as it made my dream of completing my degree a reality.”

Katleho Seatlhodi and Lefa Mosupeng, beneficiaries of the Eskom NTCSA bursary programme, shared how the support has significantly eased their financial pressures and allowed them to fully focus on their studies.

Katleho explained that the bursary has enabled him to concentrate on his academic work without the constant worry of tuition fees, accommodation, or necessities such as meals. “We are truly grateful and feel blessed to be among the beneficiaries,” he said. “This support has lifted a heavy burden from our families and given us the peace of mind and space to focus on our future. Receiving this bursary means we no longer have to worry about fees or where our next meal will come from. Our time is now fully dedicated to self-development, growth, and our studies.”

As CUT advances toward Vision 2030, this partnership between leadership and students marks a new chapter rooted in empathy, collaboration and tangible impact.

A number of organisations exhibited at the event, offering bursary support to students. These included W&RSETA, the ETDP SETA, the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), and the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), all of which play a vital role in supporting student development through funding opportunities.

Sponsors came through with bursary opportunities, and students showed up in numbers, eager to put their names forward.