CUT leaders in their newly launched regalia from left: Dr Vincent Maphai, CUT Chancellor, Dr Joe Molete, Welkom Campus Principal, Prof. Rajesh Mahabeer, new Chairperson of Council, and Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

The Official Opening of the new academic year commenced at the Welkom Campus on 05 February 2025, where new and returning students were officially welcomed. The opening was also a special and historic day for the university as it was the first presiding for the Chancellor, the first attendance for the Chairperson of Council, grand opening of the first of-its-kind multi-purpose hall for Welkom Campus and the launch of the newly approved academic regalia.

When sharing the vision behind the new regalia, the Institutional Registrar, Dr Sally Dzingwa, mentioned that the university wanted to create a unique look and feel as well as a culture. “The academic regalia is important to any university as it exclusively identifies you from your peers. This was an opportune moment for us to reposition the university brand as well as respond to the current generation of prospective academics who are high spirited and trendy.”

“In our university, we wear our regalia at formal functions such as graduation ceremonies, inaugurations, installations, general assembly, and other stipulated academic events, adding a sense of dignity and occasion to the proceedings. Our vision behind the design was to incorporate elements of the university’s corporate identity. This means that the robes, hoods, and other ceremonial garments reflect the distinctive faculty colours and symbols associated with CUT, thereby showcasing the institution's branding, heritage and diversity. The design of the procession regalia reflects the contemporary aesthetics while honouring CUT values. Furthermore, we have partnered with House of Graduates as the only approved provider to provide our graduation attire,” she said.

 In addition, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal highlighted that there won’t be people buying the university academic regalia outside the gates. “Our new regalia is very distinct, it is of high quality, but more importantly, it symbolises our efforts towards our institutional renewal and transformation drive. It’s a significant change since our 20 years of existence, as the last time there was a change was still in the 90’s. We are very excited about this because it also resonates with the diversity of our faculties and the programmes we offer; it also embraces our own diversity as a university community and our inclusivity efforts.”

Dr Vincent Maphai, CUT Chancellor and Dr Sally Dzingwa Institutional Registrar.

Welkom Campus academic procession in their new regalia.