by Phumla Mkize
Whether it is partnerships to ensure students have access to industry-grade technology or to equip lecturers to develop curricula for the changing world of work, the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) impactful partnerships with leading industry players are a game changer in education.
As a university of technology, TUT has its finger on the pulse of industry through strategic partnerships to enhance teaching and learning, conduct impactful research and foster positive relationships with communities to address societal challenges.
From agreements aimed at equipping post-graduate students with industry recognised certifications in the highly in-demand field of cybersecurity to collaborations on cybersecurity research and skills development, TUT’s partnerships create a pipeline of skilled, sought-after information and communication technology (ICT) graduates.
In 2024, TUT signed 100 new memoranda of understanding (MoU) and memoranda of agreement (MoA) with industry, government, universities of technology abroad and other stakeholders to support the development of future-ready graduates and agile academics. Included in these agreements are those that specifically aim to improve the digital skills of TUT staff and students and expose them to the latest technology in their fields.
As the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats increases globally, institutions of higher learning such as universities of technology have a critical role to play in developing cybersecurity specialists.
TUT’s partnerships with EC-Council Academia – a division of EC-Council, an international cybersecurity certification, education, training and service company – ensures postgraduate diploma students in the Faculty of ICT are equipped with cybersecurity certifications to enhance their career prospects.
Similarly, the collaboration with Take Note Information Technologies to develop skills in cybersecurity and cloud computing not only ensures that TUT staff and graduates have industry aligned skills, but solidifies the University’s status as a producer of sought-after ICT talent. The MoU with Elethu Integrated Services is important for cyber security research and skills development.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Technology, Prof Ben van Wyk, said these agreements bring an understanding at TUT of the skills required in the workforce, helping the University equip students and staff with the competencies needed by industry.
“In 2025, the teaching and learning environment continues to nurture and build on these partnerships – and their impact will continue long after the agreements have ended.
“TUT is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and achieving the University’s strategic objectives by providing opportunities for students and staff to develop and embrace new digital skills and technologies,” he said.
TUT also forged an agreement with the Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan – renowned for producing experts and researchers in the fields of engineering, science and technology – to expose academics and students to international best practice.
Collaborations to promote technology skills and innovation includes partnerships with institutions such as Coventry University in the field of automotive research and developing programmes in entrepreneurship and innovation.
TUT’s partnership with tech giant, Microsoft (SA) Proprietary Limited, is key for the development of the artificial intelligence curriculum. It also aims to empower TUT students with skills that employers value by teaching them to explore, transform, model and visualise data to create the next generation of intelligent solutions.