By Mosima Rafapa
An important five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) will ensure the re-establishment of a Clinical Engineering training centre, specifically for TUT students, at SBAH. Signed on 12 June 2025, this agreement will guarantee Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities at the hospital’s training facility for eligible Clinical Engineering students from TUT’s Department of Electrical Engineering (DEE), Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE).
Key role-players attending the signing of the MoU included: Prof Ben van Wyk, Deputy Vice‑Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Technology; Dr SJ Jacobs, Assistant Dean for Special Projects and WIL at FEBE; Prof Thomas Olwal, DEE Head; Timothy Okhai, CE Cluster Leader; and Dr Lehlohonolo Majake‑Mogoba, CEO of SBAH, along with her delegates. Additionally, Helen Potgieter, National President of the Clinical Engineering Association of South Africa (CEASA) and Seeko Mareletse, President of the CEASA Gauteng Chapter, were present at the meeting.
Currently, TUT offers South Africa’s only accredited Clinical Engineering programme. Although clinical training at SBAH commenced in 1989, it lapsed in 2018 following the retirement of the technician who managed the training centre.
“The signing of this cooperation agreement is a significant milestone for FEBE and DEE, especially for the Clinical Engineering training programme. It marks the revival of the clinical engineering training centre at SBAH that has been inactive for about seven years. During this time, no student training could be done, which had a considerable impact on the WIL programme for TUT students,” said Prof Van Wyk.
He added that TUT has already appointed a new full-time technician. “This technician will manage the training centre, coordinate clinical engineering training courses and oversee WIL programmes at the hospital, as well as ensure that authorised individuals properly use the facility,” Prof Van Wyk continued.
SBAH's Dr Majake‑Mogobawho spoke on behalf of the Gauteng Department of Health, headed by Member of the Executive Council Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and HoD Lesiba Malotana, concurred with Prof van Wyk. “The agreement is more than just a formal agreement. It is a shared vision for excellence, supported by Gauteng Health’s leadership.”
“Today marks a critical moment in our ongoing commitment to education, innovation and service. This partnership will enhance our ability to train, mentor and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals and technical specialists. These young minds will be able to acquire valuable hands-on experience, equipping them with the required knowledge, skills and integrity to deliver excellent service,” added Dr Majake-Mogoba.
According to Prof Olwal, the restored clinical training will greatly enhance graduation rates and spark interest among students.
“Steve Biko Hospital has been incredibly supportive of TUT’s efforts. The Department is grateful for their assistance, since it is notable that our graduation rate significantly improves whenever students complete such WIL training programmes. It is the only formal programme offered nationally and could potentially become a stand-alone qualification in future, no longer tied to the Electrical Engineering certificate,” said Prof Olwal.
Prof Ben van Wyk, Deputy Vice‑Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Technology and Dr Lehlohonolo Majake‑Mogoba, CEO of SBAH, with other key role-players attending the signing of the MoU.