Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal delivering her inspiring address to first-year students, parents, and guardians.

Prof. Pamela Dube, Dr Thabane Vincent Maphai, Chancellor-elect, and Prof. David Ngidi, DVC: Teaching and Learning leading the academic entourage to the hall and ready to open doors for the 2024 academic year.

On 02 February 2024, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Welkom Campus opened its doors, ushering in a new era of academic exploration and growth. In her inspiring address, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, drew a powerful parallel between the city's historical role as a gold mining hub and its current position as a center for knowledge exploration.

She said "while our forebears came to Welkom town in their quest for gold, today people from across the globe meet here in their quest for knowledge. This shift reflects the growing importance of education in the knowledge-based economy of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We would do well as people to invest in education and position our university to play a meaningful role as a catalyst in the knowledge economy," she declared.

In her address, she also mentioned that 2024 holds particular significance for the University as it celebrates two decades of existence. She expressed pride in the foundation laid by the university's staff and students, setting the stage for continued innovation and excellence, and highlighted the university's growing reputation as a center of excellence. “Our university continues to make significant strides among its peers. Last year the university was recognised by the Times Higher Education prestigious rankings which placed us at 41 in their Sub-Saharan Africa rankings, this is a significant achievement in the history of this institution,” she said.

Addressing concerns of crime and gender-based violence, Prof. Dube emphasised the university's commitment to a safe and inclusive environment conducive to learning and teaching for both staff and students. 

When sharing CUT's vision for graduates she said that it extends beyond entrepreneurship to social entrepreneurship, with a focus on empowering others and dismantling discriminatory structures.

"A future CUT graduate would not simply be a self-serving entrepreneur but a social entrepreneur who empowers others to transform their lives from the stranglehold of race, ethnicity, gender discrimination and the many other forms of exclusion and subjugation.”

Prof. Dube acknowledged the responsibility entrusted to CUT for the next three years. “To parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting us with the responsibility to co-create your children’s future. I know that you expect us to empower them with the knowledge and skills to shape their character and values, and to prepare them for the challenges of life ahead."

In conclusion, she welcomed all new students, expressing her excitement to see them flourish into responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. She encouraged them to persevere through challenges and self-doubt and to always compare their journey to a marathon, urging them to embrace the ups and downs with resilience and determination. "Like a marathon runner, you must not despair when the climb is steep, for after every climb, after every hill, there is a downslope that follows."

The Welkom Campus official opening was graced by the Chancellor-elect, Dr Thabane Vincent Maphai.

CUT Choir entertained the congregation with their beautiful renditions at the official opening

Some of the first year students who attended the official opening ceremony.