Final-year BEd and PGCE students attend the Teacher Education Colloquium at Welkom Campus, where they received guidance ahead of their teaching practice placements in the Lejweleputswa District.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), Welkom Campus hosted its annual Teacher Education Colloquium on 20 July 2026, reaffirming the university's commitment to preparing competent, ethical and future-ready educators for South Africa's schooling system.

Organised by the School-Based Learning (Teaching Practice) Committee within the Faculty of Humanities, the colloquium brought together final-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students, university leadership and key education stakeholders ahead of the students' deployment to schools across the Lejweleputswa District for their teaching practice.

The programme created an important platform for collaboration between CUT and its education partners, including the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the South African Council for Educators (SACE), school principals and teacher organisations. Through presentations and discussions, students were equipped with practical guidance on professional conduct, classroom management, ethics and the realities of the teaching profession.

In her comments, Dr Connie Mphojane, Department Manager for Educational and Professional Studies, said the colloquium forms an integral part of the university's commitment to producing graduates who are confident, professionally prepared and capable of making a meaningful contribution in schools from their very first day of teaching practice.

"The Teacher Education Colloquium bridges the gap between university learning and the realities of the classroom. By bringing together our education partners, we are ensuring that our student teachers enter schools with the professional knowledge, confidence and support needed to succeed, while positively representing CUT," she said.

Mrs Phaello Zonke, Lejweleputswa District Director, Department of Basic Education.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Phaello Zonke, Lejweleputswa District Director, encouraged students to approach teaching with passion, professionalism and integrity. She highlighted the growing demand for qualified teachers in the district, noting that the retirement of experienced educators presents an opportunity for newly qualified graduates to make a lasting contribution to the education sector.

"The real world starts in the classroom," she said. "You are not only teaching learners to master subject content, but to become globally competitive citizens. Every lesson you present should leave a positive impact, and every learner deserves a teacher who is prepared, ethical and committed to their success."

Mrs Zonke further urged the student teachers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism by being punctual, respecting confidentiality, embracing continuous learning and working collaboratively with mentor teachers. She also encouraged them to participate fully in school life, reminding them that they represent both the teaching profession and CUT during their school placements.

As students prepare to begin their teaching practice, the annual Teacher Education Colloquium continues to strengthen the partnership between CUT and the Department of Basic Education, while reinforcing the university's vision of developing graduates who are equipped to transform classrooms, inspire learners and contribute meaningfully to the future of education in South Africa.