By Mosima Rafapa
In its move from good to great, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has recently established the CETA Research Chair in Digital Construction Skills within its Department of Building Science. This initiative, supported by the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), aims to bridge critical skills shortages and boost the South Africa’s construction industry’s competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Led by Prof Justus Agumba from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), the Research Chair will align with CETA’s Sector Skills Plan (SSP) to deliver research that meets the industry’s urgent needs for advanced skills and technology adoption.
“This initiative goes beyond research. It is about creating practical, scalable solutions that equip our workforce with the competencies needed for a technology-driven construction environment, delivering meaningful societal impact,” said Prof Agumba.
The CETA Research Chair will focus on five key areas to drive digital transformation in South Africa’s construction sector:
- Identifying sector needs and mapping essential digital skills across occupational levels.
- Reviewing TVET and University curricula to align with industry demands.
- Developing a national digital construction competency framework linked to NQF levels.
- Testing and evaluating training modules for critical skills, including Building Information Modelling, drone technology and digital project tracking.
- Proposing policy recommendations and a national roadmap to integrate digital skills into construction education and CETA-supported programs.
Dr Rudzani Muthelo, Head of the Department of Building Science, described the Research Chair as a transformative step: “This is a game-changer for our department, particularly for applied research that delivers immediate, actionable solutions. We are confident in achieving our goals.”
Prof Mxolisi Shongwe, Executive Dean of FEBE, emphasised the strategic significance of the Chair: “Establishing this Research Chair shows our Faculty’s dedication to tackling national priorities by generating knowledge that informs practice. By equipping graduates and professionals with digital skills, we are not only bridging the skills gap but also boosting South Africa’s global competitiveness in construction. This partnership with CETA highlights the value of combining academia, industry and government to drive lasting impact.”
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, emphasised that the Research Chair positions TUT as a leader in modernising South Africa’s construction skills. “This ensures that education, training and workplace practices remain aligned with the needs of an increasingly digital and automated industry,” she said.
Prof Justus Agumba from FEBE’s Department of Building Science will lead the CETA Research Chair.