Professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who formed part of the Kathu Business Breakfast.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), under the tutelage of Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, successfully concluded a series of impactful business breakfasts in partnership with Standard Bank.

The series commenced at the CUT Bloemfontein Campus, continued at the Welkom Campus, and concluded in Kathu, Northern Cape-widely regarded as a hub for mining and emerging renewable energy investment. According to Mr. Qondakele Sompondo, Director of Institutional Advancement, these engagements brought together influential leaders from business, government, and academia to foster collaboration and innovation that aligns academic offerings with the evolving needs of industry. “We invited business leaders, suppliers, and community stakeholders to engage in dialogue around skills development, innovation, and sustainable economic growth, because impactful partnerships start with listening,” said Sompondo.

Industry leaders have expressed great enthusiasm about the opportunities these partnerships could unlock. Mr. Fezile Kies, Managing Director of Peontlle Investments, highlighted the CUT’s pivotal role in driving regional development. “CUT is the only university in the central region offering engineering and technology programmes,” he noted. “As someone operating in the mining logistics sector, I see immense value in partnering with the university to ensure our workforce is future-ready, particularly as we transition towards a post-mining economy.”

Mr. Innocent Makoti, Project Coordinator in Education at SIOC Community Development Trust.

Mr. Innocent Makoti, Project Coordinator in Education at SIOC Community Development Trust, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating: “For me, it’s all about strengthening partnerships and aligning our education strategy with what CUT offers. We’re particularly enthusiastic about the STEM and health programmes, as they closely align with our ongoing community development initiatives. We are optimistic that this partnership will inspire our learners to pursue careers in these critical fields.”

Ms Mmabatho Manabe, a waste management entrepreneur from Tshimologo Holdings (PTY) LTD.

Ms Mmabatho Manabe, Waste Management Entrepreneur and advocate for Sustainable Development Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production), also saw potential for collaboration. “The presentation by Prof. Ntsoaki Malebo on environmental health really resonated with me. I’m already in talks with her to explore partnerships in waste management and sustainability.”

CUT’s presence and engagement in the region underscore its commitment to supporting sustainable development beyond the lifespan of mining operations. Through its research and academic programmes, the university is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in helping towns like Kathu transition toward more diversified, innovation-driven economies. This includes initiatives such as training artisans, fostering local entrepreneurship, and conducting applied research that informs both policy and practical approaches to post-mining economic planning.