by Gerrit Bester

Dr Herman Botes, Head of the Department of Visual Communication at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Arts and Design, gave an insightful presentation on Signature Pedagogies and Curriculum Development: Cultivating Critical Citizenship and Decolonial Practices at the Faculty's Learning and Teaching Conversations event on 19 May. This monthly gathering aims to foster ongoing academic dialogue, exploring new approaches to learning and teaching, as highlighted in Dr Botes' talk.

Drawing from his extensive research on critical citizenship and decolonisation, Dr Botes structured his exploration around key pedagogical approaches, including Studio Pedagogy, Project and Brief Pedagogy, Materiality Pedagogy, Dialogue Pedagogy, Critique Pedagogy and Research Pedagogy.  

STUDIO PEDAGOGY

Dr Botes emphasised that students should be encouraged to bring their full selves – their stories, backgrounds and languages – into their work.

“Educators need to guide that journey, helping students connect their personal worlds with broader creative practices. A healthy studio culture rests on mutual respect, openness to diverse knowledge and space for critical reflection on inherited norms. When this happens, the studio becomes a transformative space that challenges colonial legacies and fosters meaningful, culturally grounded learning,” he stated.

PROJECT AND BRIEF PEDAGOGY

Dr Botes added that the best projects do more than teach technical skills – they challenge students, spark creativity and leave a lasting impact beyond graduation. “We need to rethink how briefs are written. They should incorporate references to students' contexts and create space for African storytelling, oral traditions and indigenous knowledge. This way, students aren’t just replicating global trends – they’re contributing their own voices,” he emphasised. 

MATERIALITY PEDAGOGY

“At its core, education is a conversation. In design, this conversation often centres on ideas, drafts and artefacts,” Dr Botes noted.

“But it’s not just about critique – it’s about creating a safe space where students feel comfortable to speak, listen and be heard. Too often, critiques focus on what’s wrong rather than what’s possible. Dialogue should bridge students’ personal identities with academic expectations. True learning occurs in those honest exchanges – where knowledge is shared, not imposed.”

CRIT PEDAGOGY

“The critique (crit) is one of the most iconic – and controversial – aspects of design education,” Dr Botes said. “Ideally, it’s a space for students to present their work, reflect on feedback and refine their ideas. But often, it becomes a performance – stressful and dominated by unchecked power dynamics. We need to reimagine the crit as a more inclusive practice that values diverse perspectives and modes of expression. This could mean allowing students to use their home languages or exploring alternative reflection formats.” 

He also emphasised the importance of educator training. “Many are skilled practitioners but haven’t been taught how to teach. To make crits meaningful, we must equip staff with the tools and time to guide, not just judge.”

RESEARCH PEDAGOGY

Dr Botes explained that, although research is central to design thinking, it’s often misunderstood. “Without proper guidance, students feel lost – they don’t know where to start or how to connect research to their creativity.”

He suggested viewing design research as storytelling but acknowledged that resources, training and time are often lacking. “To truly reflect the richness of design research in students’ work and lives, we need systems that value and support this vital aspect of design education.”

In conclusion, the current state of higher education, especially within art and design, demands a critical re-examination of our signature pedagogies, said Dr Botes. 

“The University faces profound challenges – bureaucracy, commodification and transactional instruction – that threaten to diminish its role as a vibrant space for creativity and critical reflection. The shift towards standardised, market-driven models has hampered the potential for genuine exploration and human engagement, especially in fields rooted in innovation and personal expression.”

During the discussion, it was proposed that lecturers need to better understand students’ perspectives to teach them effectively – there’s a need to put more effort into gathering students' personal stories and experiences. 

Furthermore, the usefulness of peer assessment was discussed, along with possibilities of reconceptualising assessment as a whole.

Dr Herman Botes, Head of the Department of Visual Communication, speaking at the Faculty of Arts and Design’s Learning and Teaching Conversations. 

Twin sisters, Dineo and Neo Letswalo from the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Management Sciences, is a pair to be reckoned with. Graduating with Postgraduate Diplomas in Supply Chain Management during TUT’s recent Autumn graduations, their journey is nothing short of remarkable and showcases academic excellence as well as the power of determination, mutual support and shared dreams.

This dynamic duo’s success demonstrates the value of hard work and unity, and serves as inspiration for the TUT community and beyond. 

Congratulations, Dineo and Neo, for shining twice as bright! #TUTPride #TwinTriumph #FromGood2Great #ThePeoplesUniversity 

Twin sisters, Dineo and Neo Letswalo.

Great things come in threes and three exceptional scholars in Business Administration have proved this during the Tshwane University of Technology’s Autumn graduations. The trio has all received their Doctoral Degrees in Business Administration.  

Underpinning economic growth, job creation, innovation and ultimately improving the quality of life for everyone, Business Administration is crucial to society. Drs Paulos Motampe Mpye, Mmotlana Joseph Mokonyane and Melvin Sello Mothoa’s interest in exploring, among others,  the frameworks it provides for businesses to operate efficiently, create goods and services and contribute to a thriving economy, prompted their PhD studies. Their hard work, brilliance and commitment to excellence certainly set the scene for a brighter future and contributing to improving society and industry. 

Congratulations to them and may the sky be their limit in future. #FutureReady #FromGood2Great #ClassOf2025 #ThePeoplesUniversity

The trio,  Drs Paulos Motampe Mpye, Mmotlana Joseph Mokonyane and Melvin Sello Mothoa, who have all received their Doctoral Degrees in Business Administration.

Experiencing food is a multifaceted sensory and often emotional journey, encompassing sight, smell, taste, texture and the social and cultural context of eating, hence Cwayita Swana, who has received her Doctoral Degree in Arts and Design, during the Tshwane University of Technology’ recent Autumn graduations’ pioneering thesis explores, Children’s Response to Healthy Food Graphics: Leveraging the Taste and Texture Appeal of Preferred Fruits and Vegetables.

Specialising in Communication Design, Dr Swana completed her thesis under the expert supervision of Prof Rudi de Lange, from the Department of Visual Communication.

Her research investigates how strategic graphic design can shape children’s attitudes toward healthy foods by emphasising the sensory allure of taste and texture. This work merges communication design with public health, providing actionable insights for educators, designers and policymakers to encourage healthier eating habits among children. Dr Swana’s scholarly excellence and innovative approach mark a significant contribution to her field.

This accomplishment demonstrates not only Dr Swana’s dedication, but also TUT’s commitment to nurturing transformative research. As a #ProudlyTUTAlumni, she inspires current and future students to push boundaries and pursue excellence. 

The TUT community extends its heartfelt congratulations and eagerly anticipates her continued impact as a leader in communication design. #ProudMoment #FromGoodToGreat #TUTExcellence #CommunicationDesign  

Newly capped Dr Cwayita Swana, who has received her Doctoral Degree in Arts and Design during TUT's Autumn Graduations.

The onset of the South African winter is also that time of the year when thousands of learners have to decide what to do with their futures and apply for study at higher education institutions. Making these choices a bit easier, academics from The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Tourism Management made a significant impact at the UNISA Community Career Fair held at Seabe High School at the beginning of May 2025. Not only did they inform, but they also inspired more than 1 200 Grade 11 and 12 learners to consider careers in tourism and hospitality.

Led by the Department's Drs Madiseng Phori and Malefane Monyane, with support from the Faculty of Management Sciences’ Senior Marketer, Suzette Landman, the TUT team showcased diverse career pathways through interactive exhibitions and presentations, which included Tourism Management, Events Management, as well as Casino and Resort Management. 

Key highlights during the Community Fair included fun activities and positive interaction with learners who demonstrated keen interest in TUT’s programmes, particularly the work-integrated learning opportunities. The team also supplied comprehensive information and brochures from TUT’s Information Centre to them for further use and reference. 

In addition to motivating and inspiring the learners, the event contributed to strengthening ties with educators and UNISA representatives, with a view to future collaboration. 

“This fair was a golden opportunity to ignite passion for tourism among the rural youth. Many learners were surprised by the extent of the careers our industry offers,” said the team.

by Mosima Rafapa

Simphiwe Gift Nkuna, a Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Master's graduate from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment’s (FEBE)) pioneering research on sustainable energy recovery from municipal wastewater sludge, was recognised on 9 May, during the recent autumn graduation ceremonies at the Pretoria Campus, when he graduated Cum Laude.

by Mosima Rafapa

The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has secured more than R4 million in funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF). This grant, secured through its National Equipment Programme (NEP), will support the development of a multimodal feedback teleoperation and telemanipulation system designed to enhance safety and efficiency in underground mining operations.

By Arnold Nkuna

“Web development is more than just coding - it is also about bringing ideas to life and making a tangible impact on society.” For Bontle Moloi, this passion was ignited while studying at the Tshwane University of Technology. During this time, she was introduced to comprehensive web development modules and under the guidance of exceptional lecturers at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), she discovered the depths of the world of web development and the infinite possibilities it offers.

“Employee Relations (ER) is an indispensable function and integral part of Human Resources to ensure harmony and good practice in the workplace.” Speaking about the role and importance of ER in any workplace, is seasoned labour expert and the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) newly appointed Director of ER, Bertha Shabangu.

By Shalate Davhana and Naledi News

The Pretoria-born media entrepreneur and TUT journalism alumnus, Ananias Ndlovu, was honoured as one of South Africa’s top 100 influential men at a glamourous award ceremony, hosted by Big M Productions at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg. Ananias Ndlovu is a respected figure in South Africa’s community media landscape. 

By Faith Modise

Exploring how academia and industry can collaborate to integrate skills and enhance quality, ultimately strengthening standards within the automotive sector — particularly for graduates entering the workforce, was at the heart of a seminar focused on the transition from the Fourth to the Fifth Industrial Revolution, hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Institute for the Future of Work (IFoW) in partnership with the South African automotive industry. 

By Kgothatso Monono

Inspiring and supporting student-led startups within the ICT sector while nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among the next generation of technology innovators, prompted the recent Student Entrepreneurship Day, hosted by the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) in collaboration with the Rail Manufacturing Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (RMCERI) at the Soshanguve Council Chambers.