By Thembeka Manetje
The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) appointed three new Assistant Deans, each contributing valuable expertise and dedication to their respective roles. They are Prof Pius Owolawi (Assistant Dean for Industry Liaison, Special Projects & Work Integrated Learning); Dr Agnieta Pretorius (Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation – re-appointed); and Dr Michael Moeti (Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning).
Prof Pius Owolawi brings a combination of academic, professional and leadership expertise to his newly minted role. Prof Owolawi holds a PhD in Electronic Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal as well as a range of certifications that span across several areas of Information Technology. These include Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA), Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP) and Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE).

Prof Pius Owolawi (left) is also highly skilled in fibre optics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital marketing, cloud computing, cybersecurity, business analytics and data science.
His leadership experience includes serving as the Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at Mangosuthu University of Technology and as the Head of the Department of Computer Systems Engineering at TUT. In these roles, Prof Owolawi spearheaded curriculum reviews, significantly increased research outputs and established the 4IR Research Laboratory as part of his tenure as the MICTSETA Research Chair.
With a research portfolio boasting over 250 publications, Prof Owolawi has made significant contributions to the fields of telecommunications at higher frequencies and artificial intelligence. His work has not only earned him accolades for academic excellence but has also cemented his reputation as a pioneer in fostering meaningful collaboration between academia and industry.
Throughout his distinguished career, Prof Owolawi has successfully partnered with prominent organisations such as SETAs, Eskom, Transnet and GIZ on impactful projects that bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application.
In his new role, he is committed to advancing Work Integrated Learning by embedding global certifications and state-of-the-art technologies into the Faculty of ICT’s academic curriculum. Prof Owolawi envisions equipping students with practical, workforce-aligned skills through comprehensive Pre-WIL programmes that include vacation work, portfolio-based projects and targeted training. This approach aims to instil confidence, build foundational competencies and enhance student employability.
Prof Owolawi’s strategic focus is on strengthening academia-industry linkages and positioning the Faculty of ICT as a leading hub for innovation and excellence. His dynamic leadership underscores an unwavering commitment to academic advancement and a forward-thinking approach to aligning education with the evolving demands of the industry.
Dr Agnieta Pretorius, who has been re-appointed as the Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Innovation, is a distinguished figure in the academic landscape. With extensive experience spanning both industry and academia, she holds an impressive array of qualifications, including a Diploma in Programming, a BCom degree, a BSc (Hons) in Information Systems, a Master’s degree in Business Leadership from UNISA and a DTech in Business Information Systems from TUT.
Dr Pretorius (below) has contributed significantly to research and scholarship, authoring and co-authoring numerous book chapters and articles published in internationally recognised journals and conferences. She has successfully supervised several Master’s and Doctoral students to completion and is an active reviewer for journals and conferences.

Since 2017, she has served on the Department of Higher Education and Training’s review panel for conference proceedings and books. She is also a member of the Universities South Africa Community of Practice on Postgraduate Education and Scholarship and has participated in collaborative research projects with partners in Germany and Sweden.
Her leadership in postgraduate studies and research at TUT continues to elevate the University's reputation for academic excellence. Dr Pretorius’s expertise and dedication to innovation will continue to play an important role in advancing the Faculty’s research capabilities and fostering a culture of academic and scientific inquiry.
Dr Michael Moeti (right), appointed as Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning, brings a dynamic and strategic approach to education in the ICT sphere.

Born in the Limpopo Province, Dr Moeti developed a passion for education at an early age, driven by his parents' belief in the power of learning. He holds certifications in System Support Engineering (SETA), Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA), a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Honours in Computer Science, as well as a Master's and Doctorate in Informatics from TUT.
Dr Moeti also earned an Applied Teaching Fundamentals Certificate from Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Kentucky, USA, where he was a Fulbright scholar in residence in 2024.
An award-winning researcher and dedicated academic leader, Dr Moeti has, for the past 15 years, been involved in various academic and research initiatives at TUT’s Polokwane Campus. He has supervised 11 postgraduate students, facilitated research workshops and trained students in academic writing and publication. His research interests focus on adopting evidence-based practices (EBP) in teaching, using empirical data to improve teaching methods and student learning. His strategy includes incorporating active learning, collaborative learning, technology-based learning and game-based learning methods into the curriculum, ensuring an improved and innovative teaching and learning experience at TUT.
Dr Moeti’s vision as Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning is to enhance the quality of education through research-driven practices and the continuous development of teaching methods that better equip students for success in the digital era.
With the appointment of these three Assistant Deans, the Faculty of ICT is all set for continued growth and excellence. The combined visions of Prof Owolawi, Dr Pretorius, and Dr Moeti’s are set to strengthen the relationship between academia and industry and foster an environment of research, innovation and excellence in teaching and learning.