Thabiso Matsemela, the top master’s student in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (middle), is flanked by the MEC for the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Mance (left), and Prof. Muthoni Masinde, Dean: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (right).

The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBIT) celebrated its top achievers at the Annual Prize Giving Ceremony held on 24 March 2026. Delivering the keynote address, MEC for the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Dibolelo Mance, proudly offered all award recipients internships to further their careers.

MEC Mance emphasised that government is increasingly focused on answering a critical question: “How do we ensure that education translates into economic participation? She said, “a qualification must not become an endpoint; it must become a gateway. This is why infrastructure development remains central to our policy priorities. Not only does infrastructure enable growth, but it also has the capacity to absorb skills, create employment, stimulate local economies and build long term resilience. To the students of FEBIT, you are not just graduates, you are part of the solution. You are the builders of the Free State’s future. Go out and build with purpose, integrity and vision,” she said.

Professor Muthoni Masinde, Dean of FEBIT, highlighted the remarkable growth the faculty has experienced in recent years. “I stand here with immense pride in this faculty. Our trajectory is nothing short of historic. In the 2025 academic year, FEBIT reached a record breaking 1,300 graduates, showing consistent growth from 1,170 in 2024 and 1,079 in 2023. What moves me most is our deepening commitment to high level research. We have seen our postgraduate success rise to 39, nearly doubling our 2024 figure of 22 and more than doubling the 19 recorded in 2023. This growth is not just a statistic; it is a testament to the relevance of our faculty. In a world that demands sustainable infrastructure and digital innovation, you are the answer.”

Front row from left: Prof. Muthoni Masinde, CUT Dean: FEBIT, Honourable Dibolelo Kathleen Mance, Free State MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure and Prof. Samson Mashele, CUT DVC: RIE.

Back row from left: Dr Frank Komati, Acting HoD: Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Dr Adeyinka Akanbi, HoD: Information Technology, Dr Nolwazi Qumbisa, HoD: Built Environment; Dr Lindiwe Bokopane, Acting HoD: Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering; Prof. Jaco Gericke, HoD: Civil Engineering and Dr Jacques Combrinck, HoD: Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering.

The ceremony celebrated academic excellence and outstanding student achievements, bringing together university leadership, family members, academic staff, industry stakeholders and government representatives to recognise top-performing students for their dedication, hard work and innovation.