In an effort to expand and strengthen local and international collaboration in the fields of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hosted a high-level delegation from the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and the Deutsches Hochschulkonsortium für Internationale Kooperationen (DHIK) at the Pretoria Campus Council Chambers. (Pretoria Campus).
THENSA supports and enables its partner institutions to respond to the challenges and targets set out in the NDP, the UN SDGs and the Africa 2063 Agenda, through Technological Education, Research and Innovation. It comprises six (6) South African Universities of Technology, three (3) South African comprehensive Universities and one (1) African University.
The German University Consortium for International Cooperation (DHIK) is an association of 36 German universities of applied sciences and one Swiss university of applied sciences that together present exchange and double degree programmes with international universities in applied engineering sciences.
In his welcoming address, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, told the delegates that COVID-19 has taught us the importance of collaboration in the education sector. He gave a brief historical background of the University and said he was privileged to welcome the visitors, especially since the University is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, talked about the research and innovation landscape at TUT as well as the University’s collaboration with Germany and what it has achieved so far.
“TUT is the only University in the country that has a stand-alone ICT Faculty and boasts seven research niche areas, which respond to the sustainable development goals,” she said.
She added that the University currently has 14 research chairs. “We also have eight Centres, four Institutes, three Technology Stations, one Incubator and two Hubs – two of which are the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub and the Cannabis Hub. TUT, University of Johannesburg and the Central University of Technology, are the only three institutions selected by the South African Government to lead AI, with TUT focusing specifically on AI in Manufacturing, Health, Agriculture, Motor industry, Tourism, Telecommunications and Transportation,” she added.
“As an institution of higher learning, we strongly believe that universities are not elite monuments. We exist to solve societal problems, working together with government and industry. Consequently, through our Centres, Institutes, Technology Stations, Incubators and Hubs, we train unemployed graduates in order to start their own businesses, thereby curbing the scourge of unemployment rate in South Africa,” she continued.
During the discussions, TUT representatives who are leading focal areas in their respective fields, delivered presentations about the innovative inventions they are busy with, which will be used to solve societal problems and improve the lives of people in our communities and the country as a whole.
In his presentation, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology, Prof Ben van Wyk, discussed the important role of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and industry collaboration at UoTs as well as the influence of workplace placement on throughput and graduation statistics.
He emphasised the similarities between UoTs and German Universities of Applied Science as well as the critical role of Industry Advisory Committees and Industry participation at these institutional types.
He added that TUT and UoTs in general, could learn from German Universities of Applied Science to better leverage and upscale industry involvement in their programmes.
Pictured are TUT representatives together with delegates from the
Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and
the German University Consortium for International Cooperations (DHIK).