City of Tshwane Manager, Dr Moeketsi Mosola, and Vice-Chancellor and Principal of TUT, Prof Lourens Van Staden, signed a MoU aimed at strengthening and creating a more mutually beneficial relationship between the parties.
TUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal of TUT, Prof Lourens Van Staden, and City Manager, Dr Moeketsi Mosola signed the MoU aimed at strengthening and creating a more mutually beneficial relationship between the parties.
Upon the signing of the MoU, Prof van Staden thanked the City Manager and the CoT for sealing the strategic partnership with TUT. “This people’s university is the largest University of Technology in the country that provides an academic home to many talented, but often disadvantaged students. More importantly, it will contribute to improving the lives of our students.”
Prof van Staden added that the partnership will provide many opportunities for collaboration, including work integrated learning prospects for students, training for the disabled and scope for specific research to be conducted.
Dr Mosola responded, saying it is important that the CoT support city based universities first, before looking outside city boundaries, with money made available to aid research and students.
“TUT has not always received its fair share of support from the CoT,” he said. “It is a good institution and in line with this partnership, more opportunities will be explored.”
Dr Mosola added that the running of Tshwane Metropolitan, given its size and complexities, it is very demanding and need a skilled group of committed people to manage it. He acknowledged the large number of skilled and experienced academia and specialists at the University is advantageous. The City should work with the University to resolve the challenges such as the provision of sustainable safe water and economic development."
Dr Mosola highlighted the fact that quite a number of CoT employed engineers have graduated from TUT. He also emphasised the significance of appointing graduates so that they can add value to local community development, remain in the City and build their lives within our City.”
“I trust that this level of engagement can be sustained to ensure fruition of this partnership. Formalising a partnership through the signing of a MoU is the first step. We must now ensure ongoing support for, and proper management of the partnership to guarantee it remains effective and that we reap the benefits,” Dr Mosola concluded.
In conclusion, Mari Booysen, Director of Advancement and Partnerships Office said the MoU would provide endless opportunities to explore the intellectual property at TUT. “In addition to strengthening the collaboration between the University and CoT, it is an opportunity to tap into our specialised and niche areas to help the City in solving the challenges it faces.”