In 2016 CUT celebrates 35 years of contributing to the social and technological innovation outcomes in the central region. Thirty five years of growth, dedication, determination, innovation and entrepreneurship development. March each year is a celebratory time at CUT as we graduate thousands of students who will embark on their new careers, or have completed a degree to better their qualifications and skills. 

2016 graduation statistics

• 7 Doctoral degrees in 2016 (semester 1) compared to 8 in 2015.
• 31 Masters compared to 16 in 2015: 95% increase. (9 of the 31 master’s graduates are from Welkom Campus).
• Total number of graduates in 2016 is 3 377 as compared to 2 879 in 2015: 17, 3% increase.
• Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology: 886 compared with 666 in 2015.
• Faculty of Health and Environmental Science: 467 compared to 416 in 2015.
• Faculty of Humanities: 758 compared 780 in 2015.
• Faculty of Management Sciences: 1286 compared 1056 in 2015.

Below follows a few highlights from the graduations held 15 to 18 March 2016 at the Bloemfontein campus.

The first group of 15 BTech Project Management graduates from Eskom: The programme has enabled CUT to establish strong relations with Eskom. Eskom employees had an opportunity to obtain a sought after degree that will enhance their career prospects and at the same time, provide Eskom with highly skilled employees. Initially, 24 employees were admitted into the programme through Recognition of Prior Learning and the first group of 15 managed to complete their studies. Pictured here with Eskom graduates and representatives are from centre: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof. Henk de Jager, Dean of Faculty for Management Sciences, Prof. Albert Strydom  and Prof. Dennis Dzansi, Associate Professor: Project Management. 

The fifth group of the Maccauvlei project In the 2015 academic year, CUT enrolled 56 Maccauvlei candidates for BTech Human Resources Management and in March 2016, 50 of them graduated. The group underwent all admission requirements including recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessment to ensure that they qualified for the NQF level 7. The achievement of graduates from this project is a direct outflow of the successful partnership between Maccauvlei Learning Academy project (MLA) and CUT, which dates back to 2012. To date, of the 289 group enrolled, 222 has since graduated and 21 of them received 21 Cum Laude. Some of the candidates are currently pursuing their Masters degrees.

 

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for best postgraduate student (Masters degree), was awarded to Sello Mopeli Marshall (left) who was conferred in the field Biomedical Technology with his supervisor, Dr Khajamohiddin Syed. Co-supervisor of the study: Prof. Sam Mashele. He received his degree cum laude on Tuesday. 

Double the excitement! Proud mother moments for Mrs Jakkie Wainwright (middle), CUT staff member, with her daughters Tanya, Radiography Diagnosis Cum Laude and Cindy, Radiography Therapy who graduated with BTech degrees from the same faculty, Health and Environmental Sciences on Tuesday. 

Save the best for last….the final graduates for the National Diploma: Fire Technology, Mzangwe Phumlile Warren and Mabele Mofapo Isaac. The programme was discontinued a few years ago. 

Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology graduate, Joseph Nsengimana obtained his Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Cum Laude on Friday. A congratulatory hand shake by is study supervisor Dr Kobus van der Walt.

 

CUT celebrates with Mthembu family. Prof. Thandwa Mthembu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal with his family sharing the moments of joy with his niece Sanelisizwe Nosipho Mthembu who obtained her National Diploma: Office Management and Technology. 

Growing our own timber, CUT Junior Lecturer: Mr Mokoena Lehlohonolo graduated with his Master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. He’s seen here being congratulated by his supervisor, Dr René Haarhoff. 

Growing our own timber, CUT System Integrator: Mr Tediso Mafike graduated with his BTech Business Administration. 

Growing our own timber, Johan Els Project Engineer at CRPM obtained his Masters in Mechanical Engineering. His supervisor Prof. Michele Truscott (left), and co-supervisors Dr Kobus van der Walt (middle right), and Mr Gerrie Booysen (far right). 

 Joyous moments for Management Sciences graduates on Wednesday.