“People who are crazy enough to think they can change the face of higher education, as CUT is doing, are the ones that can actually make it happen.” said Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal during his State-of-the-University Address 2013.   

Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) with a curriculum consisting of 40 academic programmes, 13 masters and 21 doctoral programmes each year strives to improve the impact the institution has on social and technological innovation in the region. CUT’s objective of making our university a first-rate institution, well-equipped to play a robust role in the socio-economic development of our region and the country by providing excellent education focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are reaping the rewards. On 6 September 2013, CUT graduates a total of 480 graduates, of which 22 are Master level and 3 new Doctorates in the fields Education and Language Practice. 

A Doctorate is the highest academic qualification and is a revered qualification to achieve.  All three candidates are CUT staff members, which will lead to a better educated staff component - knowledgeable in their fields, and in turn more stellar delivery of education to the central region. Currently, CUT has the most doctorates in academic staff of all the Universities of Technology in South Africa. Dr Brenton Fredericks completed his Doctor Technologiae in Language Practice. His study entitled “The influence of communication factors on learner achievement in the Mangaung area, South Africa.” makes an invaluable contribution in identifying how poor communication practices negatively influence learner performance and vice versa. He will be joined by Dr Willien Fourie who completed her Philosophiae Doctor: Educationis entitled “The development of a track and field management manual for local organising committees in South Africa”. The doctoral study was undertaken after a lack of knowledge amongst track and field event organisers were identified. The final doctoral candidate, Dr Augustinus Kolobe will be conferred with his Philosophiae Doctor in Education. 

His study entitled “Teacher perceptual and conceptual idiosyncrasies with regard to the implementation of the integrated quality management system (IQMS) in the foundation phase” explored the probable dilemmas and hurdles confronting teachers. CUT’s Master graduates possess advanced knowledge in an assortment of fields including Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Technology, and Environmental Health. Their high order skills in analysis, critical evaluation, professional application, and ability to solve complex problems, will be an asset to society – as co-creators of research, and innovation.   

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Third image: New graduates celebrated their success! On Facebook CUT asked students whether they were graduating on Friday and what they plan to do with their hard earned qualification, one respondent said “earn more and create a better future for myself and others surrounding me”. See full gallery on the CUT Facebook page.