Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube delivering her official opening address.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube, officially opened doors to new and returning students at Welkom Campus on 05 February 2025.

The ceremony was graced by CUT Chancellor, Dr Vincent Maphai, who was presiding over the welcome day for the first time, new Chairperson of Council, Prof. Rajesh Mahabeer, who was also attending this occasion for the first time, Interim President: Alumni Association, Mr Seleke Lekhooa, industry and government partners, parents and guardians.

The CUT procession in its newly launched regalia. From left: the new Chairperson of Council, Prof. Rajesh Mahabeer; Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube; CUT Chancellor, Dr Vincent Maphai; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Ngidi; and Dean of Health and Environmental Science, Prof. Samson Mashele.

In her official opening address, Prof. Pamela Dube, highlighted the university's commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success, emphasising the importance of creating a vibrant, diverse community of scholars. “To all our first-year students, we welcome you to the CUT family! We are thrilled to have you here, where you will be part of a vibrant, diverse community of over 22 000 students including international students from more than 10 countries.  We are confident that your time here will be truly memorable.”

Students came in numbers to witness their special welcoming ceremony.

She noted that the university has exceeded its first-year enrolment target, with over 300 000 applications received for both first time entering and returning students, with a bulk of 47% in science, engineering, and technology fields (STEM), 26% in business and management, 19% in education, and 8% in other humanities.  

“But even more remarkable for all of us, is that we are gracing this multi-purpose hall with our presence for the first time! This building we are in was completed just a few months ago, and this is the first university event that is being hosted here, we are very proud of this seminal moment. You will all go into our history records, especially our new students as the first to tread on these grounds and to truly declare this building safe for occupation!”

In conclusion, Prof. Dube urged students to make the most of their time at CUT, engaging fully in their studies, utilising available resources, and taking advantage of the support and services at their disposal. “Your success is important to us, and it is everybody's business here at CUT.”

The official opening ceremony was a resounding success, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for CUT's new students. The university continues to strive for excellence and is committed to fostering technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible computing, which will shape the future of students and the community.   

Uploaded: 06 February 2025