Dear members of the CUT Community,

The first quarter of 2026 builds upon the steady progress we established throughout the previous year as we move forward with a shared commitment to our institutional values and strategic objectives. In the first quarter, strengthening our value proposition, nurturing stakeholder relationships, and establishing strategic partnerships were key focus. Our work continues to be guided by Ubuntu, Integrity, Diversity, Innovation, Excellence, Sustainability, and Digital Citizenship, which serve as practical orientations for how we teach and lead within the higher education sector.

Our Council approved the Strategic Plan 2026–2030, and our focus shifted to finalising the operational plan to align performance evaluation systems with our goals for excellence and sustainability. We are rolling out the socialisation of the strategy processes to empower students and staff to operate in line with our values, while the Institutional Renewal and Transformation Plan supports our direction as we remain committed to the vision and mission in all our endeavours.

We remain focused on our guiding principle of Thinking Beyond as we navigate national challenges and seize opportunities for growth across both campuses. The following reflections highlight key developments in academic activities, partnerships, and governance that define our trajectory for the year ahead as we continue to strengthen our collaborative efforts.

Establishing a stable foundation

The first quarter of 2026 established a stable foundation for the academic year as registration processes ran with stability across both campuses despite challenges related to fees and accommodation. Staff members and student leadership worked together to resolve these issues, which reflects our shared value of ubuntu during the Welcoming and Orientation Programmes. Academic activities commenced on time and without disruption, thanks to responsive engagement between staff and student leaders.

Navigating the national landscape

Representation at the Ministerial Planning Workshop ensured the university contributed to the Post-School Education and Training sector's strategic direction. Regular meetings monitored progress across sub-sectors while highlighting issues regarding space and funding that require collective effort to address. The Funding Strategy Group of USAF has committed to making student debt a priority this year as we engage with integrity on these national matters.

Strategic partnerships and impact

Our national and provincial collaborations continue to drive meaningful change, grounded in our values of Ubuntu and Integrity. Collaboration with the University of the Free State has strengthened, as executive teams met to discuss joint efforts and enhance our combined impact within the province. Simultaneously, we are refining our Stakeholder Engagement Framework, ensuring diversity informs all consultations involving institutional stakeholders.

CUT hosted the National Cleantech Innovation Challenge engagement session, reinforcing our strategic partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and our contribution to South Africa's cleantech innovation ecosystem through the Quadruple Helix Model that unites community, academia, industry, and government. This initiative addresses the Free State's agricultural pressures by promoting regenerative practices that improve soil health and water retention, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and innovation while enabling collaboration between researchers, funders, and industry to develop climate-resilient technologies.

Notably, the Faculty of Management Sciences celebrated graduates representing key partners in local government, including Mr Velile Victor Stokhwe, Executive Mayor, and Mrs Ruth Nogoli Gwabini, Speaker of Senqu Local Municipality, who earned Postgraduate Diplomas in Public Management. This partnership has enrolled more than ten (10) councillors in further studies to strengthen administrative and oversight functions. By building capable, ethical leadership where education meets practice, we drive meaningful change within communities.

Global engagement and internationalisation

We continue to elevate our global academic profile through strategic internationalisation that enhances learning opportunities and promotes intercultural engagement. Our collaboration with the University of Siegen (my Alma Mater! was strengthened through the Erasmus+ Programme, enabling funded mobility for staff and students and producing tangible outcomes, including academic exchanges and joint research initiatives.

Furthermore, the Centre for Global Engagement hosted the seventh annual faculty-led Summer School with Aalen University of Applied Sciences, marking another milestone in a two-decade partnership. Students engaged with modules on Leadership in Africa and Sustainable Vehicle Technologies while touring our innovation ecosystem, including the Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM). These initiatives showcase our research strengths and advanced digitalisation, demonstrating how leadership diplomacy and alumni connections promote diversity and excellence on a global stage.

Honouring a legacy of service and commitment

This quarter, we have also experienced a profound loss within our community, with the passing of members of our staff and students, and most notably, the passing of our former Chancellor, Mr Mosiuoa Patrick Lekota. His commitment to education inspired a generation of graduates and academics across the Free State. On behalf of the university, I extend heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues. We honour their contributions and the legacy they left behind.

Celebrating excellence and continuous learning

We conclude quarter one with the graduation season! CUT is proud to celebrate and showcase our commitment to the graduates, the future of South Africa, and CUT’s Alumni. Among the many highlights was that we conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration on Dr Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, whose message that graduation marks the beginning of continuous learning resonates with our institutional philosophy. Her recognition of CUT's innovations in smart cities, food security, and sustainable agriculture affirms our position as a university shaping South Africa's future through applied research and practical solutions that address real-world challenges. We also celebrated the achievements of 3970 graduates across our four faculties and both campuses. This included 28 doctoral degrees and 65 masters degrees.

Supporting our people during labour negotiations

I wish to acknowledge the ongoing 2026 salary negotiations. I understand these discussions have been complex this year and, following the inability to reach an initial agreement, the matter proceeded to arbitration at the CCMA, and it is gratifying that the parties are back at the negotiations table. While I am not directly at the negotiating table, I remain closely informed and supportive of the process. I want to express my sincere sympathy to the negotiating teams and all employees who are eagerly waiting for a conclusion. I recognise the uncertainty this period creates, and I appreciate the professionalism demonstrated by all parties thus far. We remain committed to a fair outcome that sustains the university and honours the valuable contributions of our staff.

Standing strong through a difficult season: Supporting our Ixias

The 2026 FNB Varsity Cup rugby season may have been a deeply disappointing one for our CUT Ixias rugby side, as they struggled to find form and ultimately lost all their fixtures, but we do proudly recognize this young squad’s hard work, commendable zeal, and steadfastness. The string of defeats not only affected team morale but also led to their automatic relegation to the Varsity Shield for the 2027 rugby season. Despite this setback, there remains a strong sense of hope and determination within the squad and supporters alike that the team will rebuild, regroup, and earn its way back into the Varsity Cup for the 2028 season. Every great team faces a defining moment, not in victory, but in how they rise after a setback.

Commitment to our shared future

CUT’s Leadership honours the Council mandate and ensures alignment with institutional goals through engagement with staff who demonstrate integrity and excellence in their responsibilities across both campuses. We value the collaboration maintained during this quarter and look forward to further engagements across platforms, including the upcoming CUT Campus Connect lekgotla, as we roll out and advance the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2026-2030 to empower every employee to operate in line with our commitment to CUT’s success.

Our contribution to university academics and operations matters greatly, and I remain confident in our collective ability to advance our mission with engagement grounded in Ubuntu and sustainability while fostering diversity and innovation within our teams.

Your Vice-Chancellor and Principal,
Professor Pamela Dube