Back row from left: Mr Qondakele Sompondo, Director: Institutional Advancement and Acting Director: Communications and Marketing, Prof. Freda van der Walt, Dean: Management Sciences, Dr Valindawo Dwayi, Senior Director: Centre for Global Engagement and Prof. Alfred Modise, Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning.

Front row: Mr Hlomelang Metsing, Centre for Global Engagement, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Samson Mashele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement and Prof. Muthoni Masinde, Dean: Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has successfully hosted its first fully online Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with Sigma University, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s internationalisation journey and its expansion within the Global South. The virtual ceremony brought together senior leadership from both universities, along with diplomatic representatives from the Consulate General of South Africa in India, highlighting the growing role of academic diplomacy and global collaboration.

In her address, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. She noted that it builds on a series of deliberate engagements between the two institutions, with key areas of collaboration including Information Technology, Hospitality and Tourism, and Art and Design, fields aligned with CUT’s Vision 2030 and its commitment to innovation-driven education. “Today, we celebrate more than the signing of an MoU; we mark the beginning of a transformative journey grounded in a shared vision, innovation, and a commitment to advancing higher education within the Global South,” she said.

The Consul General of South Africa in India, Honourable Gedion Labane, emphasised the broader significance of the partnership, noting that such collaborations can translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible outcomes, including partnerships, investment opportunities, and knowledge exchange. He further highlighted that higher education partnerships are increasingly serving as instruments of global cooperation, contributing to both academic advancement and strengthened economic relations.

Representing Sigma University, Vice-Chancellor Priyesh Gandhi described the agreement as a strategic step toward building meaningful academic synergies. He stated that the MoU lays the foundation for collaborative research, joint academic programmes, staff and student exchanges, and shared innovation initiatives across disciplines such as engineering, technology, design, and management.

The agreement formalises cooperation in teaching and learning, research, innovation, and capacity development. It also creates opportunities for student and staff mobility, joint curriculum development, and participation in international research platforms. This landmark virtual signing reflects CUT’s ongoing commitment to leveraging digital platforms to enhance global engagement and extend partnerships beyond geographical boundaries.

The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of globally competent graduates, foster innovation ecosystems, and strengthen South–South cooperation between Africa and Asia.

Partners and representatives from Sigma University.