FS PREMIER ENGAGES UFS, CUT VICE CHANCELLORS TO STRENGTHEN COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE

Photo: Professor Hester Klopper, Vice-Chancellor of UFS, FS Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and Professor Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor of CUT

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By: Staff Reporter

The Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and members of the Executive Council, met with Professor Hester Klopper, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), and Professor Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Technology (CUT), at the premier’s official residence in Bloemfontein, on Tuesday 3.

The Premier was accompanied by MECs; Jabu Mbalula, Mathabo Leeto, Dr. Mamiki Maboya, Monyatso Mahlatsi and Acting Director-General Dr. Mafole Mokalobe.

The high-level engagement was an important step in strengthening strategic partnerships between the Free State Provincial Government and institutions of higher learning, aligning with the 7th administration’s commitment to advancing education, innovation, and inclusive economic development.

The meeting served as a platform to recalibrate and deepen collaboration between the provincial government and the two institutions.

Reflect on existing collaborative programmes.

The meeting sought to explore future-focused partnerships to enhance service delivery, economic development, and job creation.

The meeting explored a number of potential areas for strengthening including,

expanding short courses for School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to improve education governance.

Improve employability and entrepreneurial readiness among graduates.

Leverage on incubation centres to nurture youth innovation.

Explore 3D printing and smart technologies as part of job-creation initiatives.

Develop digital platforms and applications for small businesses to manage and grow their operations efficiently.

Joint research into social issues, including the root causes of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

Use academic data to strengthen service delivery interventions across sectors and,

Collaborate to profile cultural and heritage sites to strengthen the Free State’s tourism economy.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae emphasized the value of institutions of higher learning as anchor institutions in the province’s development trajectory.

“We look to our universities to help us reimagine the Free State’s future. Our shared vision must prioritize innovation, skills development, social justice, and economic resilience. Collaboration is not optional – it is the hallmark of progressive governance,” said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.

Professor Klopper and Professor Dube affirmed their institutions’ commitment to deepen partnership with government.