Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube engaged with business leaders and stakeholders during the second Vice-Chancellor’s Business Breakfast in Welkom, outlining the university’s vision for innovation, student success, and regional development.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube hosted the second Vice-Chancellor’s Business Breakfast at Lejweleputswa District, Welkom. The engagement provided a platform for open dialogue between CUT leadership, business leaders, and key stakeholders, as the university charted a path toward innovation, community impact, and regional development.

In her address, Prof. Pamela Dube outlined the CUT’s vision for a future-focused university that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s students and the demands of the 21st-century economy. “Our students require flexible, inclusive, and career relevant education,” Prof. Dube emphasised. She highlighted CUT’s commitment to nurturing a student-centered ecosystem, where young minds are supported to think critically, innovate, and engage with practical projects under guided supervision.

She also shared the university’s strategy for supporting student success, including Work-Integrated Learning opportunities, internships, and meaningful industry exposure. Recognising the financial challenges faced by students, she encouraged collaboration with industry partners to provide bursaries, in-care support, and real-world learning opportunities that ensure students not only graduate on time but are also prepared for the workforce.

During the engagement, questions were raised by attendees, with one standing out the need for mining programs to provide local communities with access to mining engineering education. Prof. Dube confirmed that CUT is exploring initiatives under the Programme Qualifications Mix (PQM) to establish a School of Mining in Welkom. “This programme will support regional development, repurpose mines, and provide opportunities aligned with the university’s vision for innovation and community impact,” she said.

Dr. Joe Molete, Welkom Campus Principal, presented Welkom Campus ambitious expansion strategy, highlighting plans for innovation hubs, student residences, and strategic partnerships with industry.

Dr. Joe Molete, Principal of the Welkom Campus, presented an ambitious expansion strategy that generated strong interest from industry leaders. He emphasised CUT’s goal to be a catalyst for business and innovation, leveraging the campus’s extensive land resources to develop innovation hubs, student residences, boutique hotels, and commercial infrastructure. “We are dreaming big,” Dr. Molete stated. “Our vacant land, strategic partnerships, and unique programmes position us to create opportunities for students, industry, and the community alike.”

He further outlined six strategic priority projects, including developing a comprehensive joint master plan, creating innovation hubs, fostering industry collaboration, and building an airport precinct with medical, education, and retail components. These initiatives aim to transform Welkom into a thriving education and innovation district, attracting investment and generating employment opportunities.

CUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube, CUT executive, and key stakeholders at the second Vice-Chancellor’s Business Breakfast in Welkom, reinforcing collaboration and shared commitment to innovation and regional development.

Both Prof. Dube and Dr. Molete stressed the importance of collaboration between the university, government, industry, and civil society. “The future of CUT and the region depends on working together,” said Dr. Molete. “By pooling resources, expertise, and vision, we can create infrastructure, programmes, and opportunities that benefit everyone.”

The business breakfast concluded with a commitment from industry leaders to support CUT’s initiatives, reflecting a shared dedication to innovation, student success, and regional economic growth. The engagement reinforced CUT’s mission to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological and educational landscape.