Dignitaries at the STEMPower Launch, from left: DHL Senior Director: Information Technology, Ms. Jenny Mohanlall; Director of Ripples for Change, Ms. Galit Cohen; NEMISA, Prof. Mpho Primus; CUT acting DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa; Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi; CUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. David Ngidi, CUT Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology Dean, Prof. Muthoni Masinde and NEMISA CEO, Mr. Trevor Rammitiwa.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi, officially launched the STEMPower Cyberlab at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). Accompanied by the CUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. David Ngidi; NEMISA CEO, Mr. Trevor Rammitiwa and Director of Ripples for Change, Ms. Galit Cohen and DHL Senior Director: Information Technology at DHL South Africa, Jenny Mohanlall, among others.

While delivering the keynote address, Minister Malatsi shared his profound vision that the launch of a space where innovation meets access and where young people can transform ideas into solutions will shape and change lives. This significant event is scheduled to take place during Youth Month, inspiring hope and a sense of possibility for the future of digital innovation.

“We are not just building infrastructure; we are helping to build a more equitable future for all of us. So, my plea is that for everyone who will be interfacing with the opportunities that emerge from this facility, we do so with the knowledge that we must share this with those who are yet to come. We must look after it to ensure that it continues to touch lives, even those that are not yet part of the university at this point. Even those that are not part of the immediate communities around them. That way, we will be able to give true meaning to the power of digital innovation and changing lives through the power of digital connectivity,” said Malatsi.

Prof. David Ngidi added that the launch is not only a recognition of academic excellence but also a demonstration of the many years of investment the university has made in STEM offerings.

“Honourable Minister, we are deeply grateful that your department has once again chosen CUT as a hub for national digital innovation. This follows our selection as one of the three founding institutions of the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa and our impactful ongoing partnership with NEMISA. Together, we have already trained over 1,300 participants this year in digital and data literacy, including a group of 54 young girls from St. Michaels School; proof that we are reaching the heart of communities,” said Ngidi.

This state-of-the-art facility, made possible through a partnership between STEMPower, DHL, NEMISA, Smart Aid, and Ripples for Change, will empower students and the surrounding community with vital digital and STEM-related skills. It features a fully equipped computer lab, a robotics centre, and a dedicated space for training young people in cell phone repair.

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi, alongside Prof. David Ngidi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, officially cut the ribbon to mark the launch of the CUT STEM Centre.

Uploaded: 13 June 2025