Prof. Dr Volker Tolkmitt, Rector: Mittweida University of Applied Science and Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

The Central University of Technology is dedicated to nurturing and maintaining transformative partnerships through strategic engagements and collaborative initiatives. On 09 September 2024, Prof. Pamela Dube, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of CUT, welcomed a distinguished delegation from Mittweida University of Applied Science, Germany. The delegation, led by Prof. Dr Volker Tolkmitt, the Rector, and Dr Cornelius Hagenmeier, advisor to the Rector on internationalisation, visited CUT to explore possible areas of cooperation and to enhance the existing collaboration.

CUT and Hochschule Mittweida have a longstanding relationship that dates back to 1998 when they initially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU has no expiration date, reflecting the enduring commitment of both institutions. Hochschule Mittweida was the first institution to respond to research conducted by Dr Henri Jacobs on Work Integrated Learning (WIL), previously known as Cooperative Education. In the early 2000s, CUT hosted students from Mittweida in Bloemfontein for WIL placements, primarily in the media studies program.

During the discussions with the delegates, Prof. Pamela Dube expressed her eagerness to revisit and update the agreement originally signed when CUT was still a Technikon. She emphasised the importance of aligning the agreement with the university's current status as CUT celebrates its 20th anniversary as a University of Technology. “Significant changes have taken place since the agreement was first signed, and I believe there are now more opportunities to explore and leverage.”

Prof. Dr Volker Tolkmitt, expressed his strong commitment to restructuring some of the partnerships with CUT and exploring new areas of collaboration. It is important that we refine existing partnerships and explore new avenues of cooperation. Prof. Tolkmitt described his experience as enriching, noting the valuable insights gathered from the visited faculties and departments and the exposure to diverse fields of study and research endeavours.