From Left: Prof. Agnaldo Arroio from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, Mr Kagisho Moloto and Ms Anita Mnisi from the Department of Science and Innovation, Dr Kabonyane Hiri-Khudu, acting Director, Office of International Education and Partnerships from the University of Botswana and Mr Siyanda Qumana, Head of Training and Development from Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.

Partner week continued at the CUT Bloemfontein Campus with participation from various local, international and SADC partners taking a lead in discussions envisioned to enhance educational experiences through collaboration with global institutions and industry leaders.

One of the highlights of the partnership week was the participation of SADC and international universities, including the University of Botswana and the University of São Paulo in Brazil. These partnerships offer students the opportunity to gain valuable international experience through study-abroad programs and research collaborations.

CUT's collaboration with industry partners, such as Eskom, Bothabelo Digital Hub, and Transnethas also been instrumental in providing students with practical experience and career opportunities. Students have been offered internships and bursaries to help bridge the gap between academia and the workplace.

Ms Sedireng Mokae, Training and Development Facilitator: Botshabelo Digital Hub, emphasised the importance of training and development of young people. She said that it is crucial for fostering individual potential and ensuring societal progress. “Our partnership with CUT is bearing great fruits, last year we recruited about 20 CUT diploma graduates of which four of them are permanently employed. We are grateful to be part of this collaboration and look forward to recruiting more students for a greater course.”

Dr Kaboyaone Hiri-khudu, acting Director: Office of International Education and Partnerships at the University of Botswana, reflected on the fruitful partnership with CUT over the past five years. She stated that the partnership is very important, especially because it is a SADC partnership. “One of the areas we are going to be moving towards is student mobility focusing on study abroad programs. I am also impressed to witness the increased student participation which is a positive indicator of engagement and interest in international opportunities.

Dr Hiri-khudu added that the Botswana University has never had a partner week, and she intends to host it in 2025. “We have never had partner week, and I am going to start small before I expand abroad. Having SADC universities will be a great start and CUT will definitely be number one on my list.”

Mr Siyanda Qumana, Head of Training and Development at Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, shared his organisation's commitment to supporting CUT graduates through internships and bursaries. He stated that one of the key outputs of their involvement is to ensure that CUT graduates get the necessary on-the-job experience. We have already provided bursaries to seven CUT electrical engineering students, and we are also actively recruiting for internships for final-year students.

Prof. Dr Agnaldo Arroio from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, expressed enthusiasm about resuming discussions for cooperation with CUT after interruptions due to the pandemic. "This agreement means that students, staff, teachers, researchers, and administrative personnel will be able to engage in international mobility."

He also added that students from CUT could benefit from free tuition at his institution, making it an attractive option for those seeking international experience. Prof. Dr Hoyo also noted how South African students showed curiosity about Brazil and international mobility opportunities, which he found encouraging.

Students visited different exhibiting stalls to acquire information related to bursaries offered and internship opportunities available

Mr Metsing Matlhaku, SRC President, Ms Anita Mnisi from the Department of Science and Innovation, Mr Siyanda Qumana from Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. Agnaldo Arroir from University of São Paulo, Dr Kabonyane Hiri-Khudu from University of Botswana, Prof. Alfred Ngowi Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement, Ms Sedireng Mokae from Botshabelo Digital Hub and Mr Kagisho Moloto from Department of Science and Innovation.

Participating partners included the University of Botswana, University of São Paulo, Department of Higher Education, Department of Science and Innovation, High Commission of the Republic of Namibia, High Commission of the Republic of Botswana, Cumlaude Institude, Transnet Academy, SMEC South Africa (Pty)Ltd, Botshabelo Digital Hub, National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), Ubuntu Pro Solutions, Bongani Regional Hospital, Harmony Gold Mine, Sibanye Still Water, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd and Goldfields TVET College.