On 13 September 2016, CUT’s Innovation Services (CUTis) formally acknowledged a successful triple helix partnership endeavor. The engagement brought together essential elements from private, public and higher education sectors to look at driving the agenda of continuous education and employability of graduates.  

In 2015, the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), through the engagements with a private company, provided funding to the tune of R6 000 000,00 for the training of 150 Free State youths in Microsoft Office, which was offered through CUT’s Microsoft Academy. MICT SETA also awarded R5 000 000,00 in bursaries to 50 needy, yet excelling CUT students studying Information Technology (IT) in Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Certified Oracle Associate (OCA). The success of the project also saw MICT SETA awarding CUT a certificate of recognition as an Institute of Sectoral or Occupational Excellence. Another immense benefit for the participants was the fact that MICT SETA required a lot of industry-related contacts. 

Prof. Thandwa Mthembu, Vice- Chancellor and Principal said it has been a long journey but he is content that the quad helix partnership-university, government and its agencies, business and industry and other organs of broader society have come together to share the vision and objectives that will steer the region and the country to success. “This is a culmination of many years and I am delighted that the partnership is being launched today with MICT SETA. What is happening today would not have happened had we not changed our strategies. At CUT we believe in collaborations and partnerships, we do not work in silos. It is only when we come together that we can see tangible results,” he concluded. Mr Oupa Mopaki CEO of MICT SETA said the university has become a Centre of excellence and that they are proud to be associated with CUT. Despite the fact that learning and education takes place every day at universities, young people graduate from junior degrees to PhD across the country, industry experts still feel that there is a dire shortage of skills in the country. He argued that there is no skills deficit in the country. “It is upon employers to work with us to actually provide the necessary skills to young people because it is not totally possible for a university to give young people the kind of skill that employers require to be able to join the world of work and be productive from day one.” 

The role of CUT in this instance is to educate and train young people and through the Centre of excellence, we will work together to make sure that beyond the theory gained the centre will train the youth and provide them with the necessary skills that will prepare them to be work ready.  “Graduates need internships, mentorship or some form of training in the workplace and employers in this country should be in the lead to make sure that on completion of studies learners have the necessary skills to be efficient in the workplace.” Mr Mopaki said he would continue to engage with all partners until he gets the puzzle right. One of the programme beneficiaries, Ms Boniswa Mafunda, said that the course opened doors for her as she got permanent employment as an instructor at CUT. “I take this opportunity as ammunition and a weapon which is aimed at the corporate world.” MICT SETA is an organisation which intends to engage in learning programmes that leads to employment and new ventures, whilst at the same time engaging in programmes that assist in bridging the digital divide, especially in rural areas. 

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CUT leadership accepting the R5, 000, 000, 00 cheque from MICT SETA that will fund needy but academically excelling IT students. From Left: Prof. Thandwa Mthembu, CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Mr Oupa Mopaki CEO of MICT SETA; and Prof. Henk De Jager, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement.