The second quarter of 2026 required adaptability and a commitment to our institutional values. Despite national funding uncertainties and local operational challenges, our academic programme proceeded without disruption.

Our community demonstrated resilience and a spirit of collaboration, ensuring that students could write their examinations successfully. This quarter, our efforts aligned with the Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030, focusing on partnerships, student success, and institutional sustainability.

Managing operational and national challenges

The quarter began with the conclusion of the 2026 salary negotiations at the end of May. I extend my appreciation to the Joint Bargaining Forum, the recognised labour unions, and the Remuneration Committee of Council for their collegial engagement. Reaching an agreement required patience and a shared commitment to the financial sustainability of the university.

We also addressed challenges related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The national administration of the funding entity resulted in 773 of our students losing their funding mid-year. In response to student concerns, our leadership engaged directly with the Student Representative Councils (SRCs) at both campuses. These engagements resolved operational issues and allowed the academic programme to continue. To support the affected students, Student Affairs provided food packs and arranged for one meal a day in our dining halls during the examination period. We also engaged with private accommodation landlords to prevent the eviction of students due to delayed payments. I commend the students and staff for maintaining stability during this period.

The university has also formally engaged NSFAS regarding the matter of non-accredited off-campus accommodation at Welkom. While NSFAS granted concessions for students already placed in certain off-campus residences, the University is required to undertake further accreditation processes to ensure that these accommodation providers fully comply with NSFAS accreditation requirements going forward.

Looking ahead, the President has announced the local government elections for 04 November 2026. The university will make appropriate arrangements to ensure staff and students can exercise their democratic right to vote without disrupting the academic schedule.

Navigating national priorities and workforce compliance

The national discourse regarding the employment of foreign nationals in the public sector has been prominent recently, featuring parliamentary engagements and public demonstrations. In response to a request from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, all universities submitted detailed workforce data.

At CUT, foreign nationals comprise 3.4 percent of our total workforce and 8.6 percent of our academic staff. This remains within our approved institutional benchmark of 10 percent. We recognise that certain academic departments currently exceed this threshold. We will continue with the ongoing workforce rebalancing exercise to address legacy skills gaps among others. We also continue to urge our university community to focus on our collective responsibility on the endeavours of our academic agenda especially as we roll out our 2026-2030 strategic plan and already counting our gains in growth of our research output and post graduate student numbers. We approach this matter with integrity, ensuring compliance with national statutory obligations while upholding our commitment to diversity and the development of local skills.

The exchange of global perspectives has defined higher education since the inception of our institutions, where scholars historically gathered to advance shared knowledge. Internationalisation sustains this practice by integrating diverse worldviews into our academic environment, reinforcing our institutional values of diversity and innovation as we continue Thinking Beyond.

Fostering strategic partnerships and financial sustainability

Our Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030 positions CUT as a future-focused institution. Achieving this vision requires partnerships. This quarter, we hosted three key engagements that advanced our collaborative agenda.

In May, the Vice-Chancellor and SRC Scholarship Luncheon brought together donors, corporate partners, and student leaders. We launched a Scholarship Fund to address financial barriers and support student success. The collaboration between university leadership and the SRC demonstrates our commitment to placing students at the focus of our institutional priorities.

In June, the Vice-Chancellor’s Business Breakfast provided a platform to engage with national, provincial, and local government representatives, state-owned enterprises, and sector education and training authorities. We presented our institutional priorities and showcased projects requiring partnership. These discussions focused on skills development, innovation, and infrastructure, reinforcing our role as a development partner in the Free State.

Furthermore, I participated in the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN) webinar. This discussion examined how universities can widen access and improve student success. We explored the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, the importance of study pathways, and the need to align graduate skills with labour market demands. These conversations reinforce our commitment to digitalisation and excellence in our academic offerings.

Securing resources for our students remains a priority. During the second quarter, several sector education and training authorities renewed their memoranda of understanding with the university. These partnerships raised over R32 million to support students in specific fields of study and to assist in clearing historical debt. This funding directly supports our mandate to provide equitable access to education.

 Celebrating academic achievements

The examination period concluded successfully. When service delivery protests in the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) affected transport, we implemented alternative arrangements to ensure affected students could write their papers.

We also celebrated academic achievements at the Welkom Campus. During Africa Month, the Faculty of Humanities hosted the annual public lecture to honour the legacy of Dr Khotso Nkhatho, recognising his contribution to Sesotho literary and performance arts. Additionally, we hosted the Professorial Inaugural Address by Prof. Bekithemba Dube. His lecture on the intersectionality of curriculum, politics, and religion provided a detailed reflection on the role of humanities in postcolonial societies.

 Advancing research and innovation

Our research performance continues to show steady growth, reflecting our commitment to excellence and innovation. The university submitted 313.45 credit units for research outputs in 2025, representing a 6.93 per cent increase from the previous year. This sustained expansion indicates that our academic staff are exceeding planned targets across multiple indicators, including publication output, research funding, and pipeline development.

This growth strengthens our research environment by integrating academic output with applied innovation. By aligning our research with industry and societal needs, we ensure our work remains relevant and impactful. Research is emerging as a key institutional strength at CUT. It provides a reliable basis for future income diversification and strategic positioning as we pursue practical solutions. Furthermore, our research actively contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating our institutional commitment to sustainability and global progress.

 Commitment to our shared future

The second quarter demonstrated the value of our collective effort. By adhering to our values of ubuntu, integrity, diversity, innovation, excellence, sustainability, and digital citizenship, we address challenges with purpose. We continue to refine our Stakeholder Engagement Framework to ensure our consultations remain effective.

I thank the staff and students for their willingness to engage constructively and resolve issues in the best interests of the university. Our contribution to the higher education sector matters, and I remain confident in our capacity to advance our mission.

We are Thinking Beyond, preparing our students and our institution for the future.

Your Vice-Chancellor and Principal,
Professor Pamela Dube