A representative from Bell Equipment Company (PTY) LTD in Richards Bay, Mr. Kgomotso Mosimanyane paid a courtesy visit to engage with Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) on the Work-Integrated Learning programme and possible placement of our students.   

Bell Equipment Company a leading global manufacturer, distributor and exporter of material handling machines seeks to invest in CUT students for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) – another partnership success for the institution.   In the past, CUT held talks with business and industry to maximize partnership opportunities.    This visit is a remarkable outcome of these engagements and Bell which is committed to further explore and collaborate with CUT in other areas of mutual interest, also has a representative in CUT’s Engineering Advisory Committee to advise on the course contents and their relevance. 

The company’s interest in CUT’s WIL & Skills Development Programme as well as our academic programmes in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering was prompted by the exceptional performance of two of our CUT students who were placed with Bell Equipment.   “Part of the Strategic Transformation of Educational Programmes and Structures (STEPS) outcomes is our commitment to incorporating WIL and associated initiatives like service learning in every new programme introduced at CUT, which along with the newly-established Vision 2020 Innovation Fund will enhance entrepreneurial skills amongst our students.” stated Prof. Thandwa Mthembu during the State-of-the-University-Address on 2 February 2013.   The institution’s stable campus environment, discipline and competencies of our students, further prompted Bell Equipment Company to agree to serve on CUT’s Engineering Advisory Committee.  

Pictured is Mr Dave Mentjies, Technical Training Specialist HR at Bell Equipment; Mr  Bennett Mokoma: WIL Coordinator at CUT; Mr Kgomotso Mosimanyane, Senior Technical expert in Mechanical Engineering at CUT; Ms Carole Hills,  Bell Equipment Group Training and Human Resources Manager; Mr Zeyn Adam, Bell Equipment Quality Process Engineer; Mr Gqibile Mabhongo, Development Manager at TLB; and Mr Andrew Staniland,  Production Manager of Bell Equipment.