A distinguished scholar in Organisational Behaviour and Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Freda Van Der Walt, made history at the Welkom Campus when she became the first Professor to be inaugurated. Pictured from left: Prof. David Ngidi, DVC: Teaching and Learning, Dr Joe Molete CUT Welkom Campus Principal, Prof. Freda van der Walt,Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, DVC: Research Innovation and Engagement and Prof. Albert Strydom, Dean: Faculty of Management Sciences.  

On 13 June 2024, the Central University of Technology (CUT) celebrated the achievement of Prof. Freda Van der Walt and honoured her with a well-deserving full Professorship title. Celebrating Prof. Van der Walt’s inauguration as a full professor in organisational behavior is a special occasion for the university and first of its kind for the Welkom Campus.

Prof. Van der Walt’s inaugural lecture titled, ‘Thinking Beyond Technology and Titles’, reflected on her research journey and emphasised the importance of transcending conventional notions of success and achievement.

In her congratulatory address, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal highlighted that an inaugural lecture is not just a platform to honour academics for their exceptional research in their respective fields but a unique opportunity for intellectual discourse to allow academics to reflect on the past and present. 

She also mentioned that the lecture will spark a stimulating discussion and inspire new perspectives, setting the stage for a truly engaging and enlightening discourse within CUT. “Prof Freda Van der Walt’s inaugural lecture topic is thought-provoking. It underscores our commitment to shaping the future through technological advancements while fostering a humane and technological future that we can all look forward to.  We see opportunities for investment in this area to expand our knowledge and research while addressing the human-technology interphase, a subject I delivered during my inaugural address as new Vice-Chancellor last year. Her insights and discussions built on years of dedicated research and will help steer the university community towards a future driven by innovation and underline the critical role each of us plays in this journey,” 

Professor Dube also acknowledged her children, Clara, Emile, and Nicolas for being a constant source of support and inspiration, her former supervisor from Stellenbosch University Business School, Prof Mias de Klerk, her family, colleagues and friends, for always holding her hand when the going got tough. “Prof. Van der Walt’s achievements may be a personal triumph, but it is also a source of inspiration and pride for her family, friends, and the university community.”