From left to right: Former CUT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henk de Jager, now Chief Executive Officer of THENSA, former CUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Thandwa Mthembu, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to THENSA, including his service as Chairperson of the Board and current Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, who serves as Chairperson of the THENSA Board.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) made a remarkable statement at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Technology Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA), with three generations of the university's leadership taking centre stage in a historic demonstration of CUT's enduring contribution to higher education and digital transformation.

Prof. Pamela Dube officially introduced the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela

Current Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube, who serves as Chairperson of the THENSA Board, welcomed guests to the milestone celebration and officially introduced the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela. In her address, she reflected on THENSA's two-decade journey as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and digital transformation across South Africa's higher education sector.

Former CUT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henk de Jager, now Chief Executive Officer of THENSA, continues to lead the organisation nationally, while another former CUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Thandwa Mthembu, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to THENSA, including his service as Chairperson of the Board.

Adding a uniquely CUT touch to the evening, Prof. Mthembu received a commemorative trophy designed and manufactured by the University's Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM), a fitting symbol of the institution's commitment to innovation and technological excellence.

The occasion represented more than a celebration of THENSA's 20-year journey. It reflected CUT's enduring legacy of leadership, with past and present Vice-Chancellors continuing to shape the direction of higher education, technology and innovation in South Africa