Leonard Thuto the famous CUT sculpture.

February marks the 10^th anniversary of the most famous CUT sculpture that is towered over Park Road entrance of the Bloemfontein Campus. The 2-ton sculpture became part of the university in 2014. The purpose of the artwork was to bring vibrance on campus, to create a world-class campus environment that will enhance campus culture, promote institutional pride, and introduce colour. The name of the sculpture is Leonard Thuto. His surname means ‘education’. Leonard Thuto is both a teacher and a scholar-he is both staff and student. The artist behind the sculpture is Uwe Pfaff. 

According to the artist, Uwe Pfaff, the sculpture was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man- who is of the perfect proportions with 4 arms and 4 legs – and reversed engineered him back to a man with 2 legs and two arms. Not only is he now free to move but has also liberated his soul. 

The team behind the crazy Idea was called the Aesthetics Cluster under the leadership of Ms Jeannet Molopyane who was a librarian at the time. The sculpture was officially installed on 21 February 2014. His jubilant and victorious pose, with a scroll in his hand, is something that students should be aiming for. This is how important Leonard has become as a constant inspiration to all of us to be innovative, excellent, triumphant, and successful. 

February is the month of love, please show Leonard some love and treat him with respect.