by Mosima Rafapa

Simphiwe Gift Nkuna, a Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Master's graduate from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment’s (FEBE)) pioneering research on sustainable energy recovery from municipal wastewater sludge, was recognised on 9 May, during the recent autumn graduation ceremonies at the Pretoria Campus, when he graduated Cum Laude.

by Mosima Rafapa

The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has secured more than R4 million in funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF). This grant, secured through its National Equipment Programme (NEP), will support the development of a multimodal feedback teleoperation and telemanipulation system designed to enhance safety and efficiency in underground mining operations.

The innovative system enables miners to remotely operate underground machinery from secure, off-site locations, reducing their exposure to hazardous environments. The equipment will simulate actual mining machines, allowing for realistic training and operation without the associated risks of underground work.

Prof Shengzhi Du, the project’s lead researcher from TUT’s Department of Electrical Engineering, emphasised the technology's broader impact.

Prof Shengzhi Du

“This innovation thrives on the premise that workers are no longer needed on the site, which relieves them from the danger of the prevalent workplace hazards. With this technology, workers no longer have to go to the sites but can be in safe off-site locations and control the mining operations,” said Prof Du.

He added that the system is expected to improve operational efficiency, safety and productivity, which will contribute significantly to the national economy. Additionally, by fostering skills development and providing advanced training, it aims to enhance the quality of human resources and align local practices with international standards.

“Implementing this platform is also anticipated to create more employment opportunities. By eliminating the need for human presence on-site, the costs associated with making underground environments safe for workers are reduced. This cost-saving allows additional machinery to be added to the same workspace, potentially increasing operational capacity,” Prof Du added.

Prof Brendon Shongwe, FEBE’s Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Innovation, highlighted the significance of this project in positioning TUT at the forefront of mining research and innovation. He expressed optimism that the initiative would advance mining safety and contribute to the University’s mission of driving technological progress in South Africa.

By Arnold Nkuna

“Web development is more than just coding - it is also about bringing ideas to life and making a tangible impact on society.” For Bontle Moloi, this passion was ignited while studying at the Tshwane University of Technology. During this time, she was introduced to comprehensive web development modules and under the guidance of exceptional lecturers at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), she discovered the depths of the world of web development and the infinite possibilities it offers.

“Employee Relations (ER) is an indispensable function and integral part of Human Resources to ensure harmony and good practice in the workplace.” Speaking about the role and importance of ER in any workplace, is seasoned labour expert and the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) newly appointed Director of ER, Bertha Shabangu.

By Shalate Davhana and Naledi News

The Pretoria-born media entrepreneur and TUT journalism alumnus, Ananias Ndlovu, was honoured as one of South Africa’s top 100 influential men at a glamourous award ceremony, hosted by Big M Productions at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg. Ananias Ndlovu is a respected figure in South Africa’s community media landscape. 

By Faith Modise

Exploring how academia and industry can collaborate to integrate skills and enhance quality, ultimately strengthening standards within the automotive sector — particularly for graduates entering the workforce, was at the heart of a seminar focused on the transition from the Fourth to the Fifth Industrial Revolution, hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Institute for the Future of Work (IFoW) in partnership with the South African automotive industry. 

By Kgothatso Monono

Inspiring and supporting student-led startups within the ICT sector while nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among the next generation of technology innovators, prompted the recent Student Entrepreneurship Day, hosted by the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) in collaboration with the Rail Manufacturing Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (RMCERI) at the Soshanguve Council Chambers. 

by Gerrit Bester

In the rapidly evolving world of finance, banks must continuously adapt to meet their customers' changing needs. Recognising this, Absa has set an exciting challenge for creative minds at the Tshwane University of Technology's Department of Visual Communication: to come up with innovative digital solutions that could help the bank to significantly expand its customer base.

By Thembeka Manetje

At the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), the commitment to producing future-ready graduates is more than a guiding principle, it’s a lived reality. A recent example of this, Hlulani Isaac Mathye, a third-year Diploma in Informatics student in the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, formed part of the winning team that clinched the top spot for the Future Star Award at the prestigious Huawei ICT Regional Competition 2024-2025 (Southern Africa).

by Gerrit Bester

The Viewing Room Art Gallery in Brooklyn, Pretoria, will host an inspiring group exhibition, Setlhatliso, showcasing the creative talents of printmaking students and staff from the Department of Fine and Studio Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). This collaborative showcase shines a spotlight on emerging talent within the Faculty of Arts and Design, beautifully complemented by the presence of renowned South African artist, Dr Bongi Dhlomo-Mautloa, affectionately known as 'MaBongi'. 

The Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology, proudly celebrates Prof Ray Jansen from the Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, who has been featured prominently in the internationally acclaimed Netflix documentary Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey. This poignant documentary, which premiered on 21 April 2025, quickly became one of the most trending documentaries on Netflix and ranked in the Top 10 most-watched series nationally for the month.

One of the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) own, Dr Lebogang Matholwane Mathole, made history on 24 March 2025, when she became the first recipient of a doctorate in Economics, specialising in Local Economic Development (LED) from the University of Johannesburg.