A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Tshwane University of Technology and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in 2015, has yielded significant collaboration between the partners. Celebrating the decade-long, impactful partnership between the two institutions, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and Prof Ben van Wyk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology, hosted esteemed guests from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences on 8 April 2025. The delegation included Teemu Kokko, President and CEO and Crister Nyberg, Director of the School of Professional Teacher Education.
According to Prof Van Wyk, since the signing of the MoU in 2015, the collaboration between TUT and Haaga-Helia has demonstrated substantial and sustained growth. The partnership has yielded tangible outcomes, including the successful graduation of 318 Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) students and 43 Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates in Educational Management. “These achievements reflect the academic excellence of the programmes offered as well as the shared vision and unwavering commitment of both institutions to advancing professional and leadership development in the higher education sector.”
“The collaborative initiative has expanded through further strategic partnerships with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Vaal University of Technology (VUT). These alliances have enriched the programme’s reach and diversified its regional impact,” Prof van Wyk added.
“Crucially, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has recognised the value of this cross-institutional initiative by providing funding support through the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP). This backing has enabled the continued development and sustainability of key activities under the collaboration, further embedding the initiative within the national higher education transformation agenda,” Prof Van Wyk continued.
Prof Tinyiko Maluleke flanked by Crister Nyberg and Teemu Kokko.
The partnership between TUT and Haaga-Helia is a model of innovation, resilience, and mutual benefit. It exemplifies how international collaboration can address educational challenges, foster knowledge exchange and support the development of academic leadership across borders.
“As we commemorate this 10-year milestone, we also look to the future with optimism and renewed purpose. The next phase of collaboration envisions further expansion of the AI academic programmes, postgraduate supervisor development initiatives, academic staff exchange programmes and professional development offerings. These strategic focus areas promise to deepen the impact and sustainability of this dynamic partnership,” said Prof Van Wyk.
“This decade of success affirms that TUT and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences share more than just the collaboration—they share a commitment to excellence, equity and innovation in higher education,” he concluded.
Pictured during the visit are from left: Crister Nyberg, Director of the School of Professional Teacher Education (Haaga-Helia); Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, TUT Principal and Vice-Chancellor; Ms Vuyokazi Rorwana, UCDP Manager; Teemu Kokko, President and CEO (Haaga-Helia); and Prof Ben van Wyk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology.