The newly inaugurated professor, Prof. Markus Didam Elisha, with his family: Jessica Elisha, daughter (left), and Dorathy Elisha, wife (right).

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), marked a significant milestone in academic excellence on 18 August 2026, as Professor Elisha Didam Markus delivered his inaugural professorial lecture at the Bloemfontein Campus.

Titled “Engineering Meaningful Intelligence: From Smart Networks to Smarter, Human-Centred Decisions,” the lecture examined the rapidly evolving relationship between engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and control systems. At its core was a compelling question: as intelligent technologies become increasingly capable, how can engineers ensure that technological progress remains meaningful, responsible and firmly centred on people and society?

Prof. Markus introduced the concept of “meaningful intelligence” as an approach that extends beyond the computational power and autonomy of intelligent systems. It asks whether technology can respond meaningfully to human needs, societal values and the realities of the environments in which it operates.

“As engineered systems become increasingly capable of sensing their environments, learning from data and participating in decision-making, technical excellence alone is no longer enough,” Prof. Markus explained. “Engineers must also consider human-centred design, inclusivity, sustainability and responsibility, particularly within the socio-technical realities of the Global South.”

The theme reflects Prof. Markus’s own scholarly journey, which sits at the intersection of advanced technology and human need. He is the Interim Director of the Artificial Intelligence Hub at CUT, which forms part of the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa. He also chairs the Research and Innovation Committee in the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering and is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), and a registered professional with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

In her congratulatory remarks, CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, highlighted the significance of the lecture at a time when intelligent technologies are increasingly shaping how people live, work and make decisions. She described the occasion as one of the most distinguished events on CUT’s academic calendar, noting that it represents more than the attainment of professorial rank. It is a recognition of sustained scholarship, intellectual contribution, academic leadership and the advancement of knowledge.

Prof. Markus is a full Professor in the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering and a distinguished researcher in artificial intelligence, robotics, smart networks, IoT, control systems and assistive mobility. An NRF C2-rated researcher, his scholarly work addresses complex real-world challenges, including cooperative control of multiple robotic systems, assistive mobility such as Motsamai, a smart wheelchair designed to empower individuals with disabilities, wireless communication, and the development of smart networks for applications ranging from smart cities and smart grids to smart water grids. Through this work, Prof. Markus continues to contribute to CUT’s growing research and innovation agenda while demonstrating how advanced engineering can address pressing societal needs.

His inaugural lecture ultimately offered a vision of engineering that goes beyond building systems that are faster, more autonomous or more intelligent. It calls for technologies that are purposeful, inclusive, sustainable and responsive to the people and communities they are designed to serve.

In conclusion he said, “the future of engineering is not simply about building smarter systems, but about engineering intelligence that matters.”

Prof. Samson Mashele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement; Prof. Markus Elisha: Newly Inaugurated Professor; Prof. Pamela Dube: Vice-Chancellor and Principal; and Prof. Muthoni Masinde, Dean: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.