From left: Mr Loyiso Manjezi CFO of Southern Jade Resources, Dr Charity Mbileni-Morema, Chairperson of Council, Dr Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, Founder and chairperson of Kalagadi Manganese, Her Majesty Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka Seleka, of the Barolong Boo Seleka Traditional Community of Thaba 'Nchu, and Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

The Central University of Technology (CUT) has officially launched the Research Centre on Human-Technology Interaction to explore the transformative relationship between humans and technology. This initiative is designed to address both the opportunities and challenges that arise from rapid technological advancements, emphasising the need for ethical solutions.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube articulated a powerful vision for the centre, stating, that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. She highlighted the societal, ethical, and environmental implications of rapid technological progress. "The launch of this centre marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the university and society. In an age where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, it is easy to focus on the wonders of innovation, automation, artificial intelligence, and the conveniences that emerge with each technological breakthrough. However, as much as technology empowers us, it also presents profound challenges that demand a careful and human-centred approach. This is where the Research Centre on Human-Technology Interaction plays a critical role.”

She also mentioned that the cornerstone of the centre is its commitment to engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and working hand-in-hand with industry partners, government agencies, local communities, and international collaborators. “By fostering these relationships, we will ensure that our research remains relevant, impactful, and aligned with the real-world needs of society. This centre is not just for researchers and academics; it is a space for dialogue and collaboration where we will invite communities to voice their concerns and aspirations for a future shaped by technology. Together, we will co-create solutions that benefit everyone, from the individual to the global level,” she added.

The centre’s launch reflects CUT’s commitment to shaping the future through innovation. "Our commitment is to address societal challenges head-on and contribute towards shaping a future where technology and innovation serve the greater good," Prof. Dube concluded.

Digital launch of the centre.

The launch was supported by Dr Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalagadi Manganese who generously contributed R10.9 million to establish and develop the centre further. She remarked on the significance of this initiative as a beacon of knowledge that fosters collaboration and drives impactful discoveries.

"This research centre represents a beacon of knowledge and a hub for pioneering research, fostering collaboration, inspiring creativity, and driving impactful discoveries that benefit society as a whole. Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era, one characterised by the relentless pursuit of knowledge, as we unveil this centre," she said.

The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests who delivered keynote addresses and played a pivotal role in the launch's success. Among them were Prof. Sylvester Johnson: Co-founder and CEO of the Corporation for Public Interest Technology(virtually), Prof. Ahmed Bawa: Professor at the Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg, Prof. Yali Woyessa: Fulbright scholar and professor specialising in Water Resources Management, Prof. Premesh Lalu: Professor and founding director of the Centre for Humanities Research at the University of the Western Cape, Prof. Muthoni Masinde: Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Dr Sweta Baniya: Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Professional and Technical Writing, Dr Charity Mbileni-Morema: Chairperson of Council at CUT, Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka: Current ruler of Barolong Boo Seleka from Thaba Nchu, Dr Fallon Wilson: Founder of #BlackTechFutures Research Institute, Prof. Alfred Ngowi: Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research Innovation and Engagement at CUT and Dr Isaac McCoy: Dean of the School of Business at Stillman College.