CPUT recently hosted business and industry partners for an engagement session, which provided an opportunity for networking as well as valuable input from stakeholders.
The event was held at the SA Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) and guests were welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, who said the theme for the event was: One Smart CPUT: Engaged with its Critical Stakeholders.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said the University needs industry partners and members of civil society to achieve the goals set by the institution.
Nhlapo said the key component of a knowledge economy is greater reliance on intellectual capacities and capability than on physical input of natural resources.
He said that if South Africa were to play its role in the knowledge economy space, “it is important that we nurture our relationship with quintuple helix partners”.
“Unfortunately, we have no choice as we can all see the rampant inequality, corruption and poor education standards that continue to impede growth in South Africa. Thus, all of us must contribute.”
Dr David Phaho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, said CPUT is being proactive in terms of responding to the change in the job market.
“We are working to develop programmes and courses that prepare students for the job market, not just through a regional lens, but a national lens and also a continental and a global lens. We have to make sure that we identify emerging trends and tailor our curricula to meet the needs of industry.”
Prof Lalini Reddy, Director: Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning (WIL), thanked all the partners and said the university subscribes to the concept of ubuntu.
“We can’t do anything on our own.”
She said the institution appreciated the input from the business and industry partners.
The day included presentations by the WIL coordinators of each faculty as well as an exhibition prepared for the stakeholders.
Written by Ilse Fredericks
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