Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)

CUT Update on Payment of Accommodation Allowances for affected NSFAS-Funded Students in Non-Accredited Accommodations

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Yusuf Cassim, visited CUT Welkom Campus, on 11 August 2026. During the oversight visit, the Deputy Minister engaged with the University’s Executive Management, the Presidents of both Student Representative Councils, and the broader CUT community regarding the ongoing challenges relating to the delays in payments for NSFAS beneficiaries residing in non-accredited accommodation.

Since 2022, CUT has worked closely with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which granted CUT a deviation, allowing NSFAS-funded beneficiaries to reside in non-accredited accommodation due to a shortage of beds.

In 2026, the university continued with similar engagement with NSFAS, and there was a further formal request for a deviation to allow Welkom Campus affected students to remain in non-accredited accommodation. The deviation was granted following the NSFAS Administrator’s visit to Welkom Campus on 15 July 2026, after which the university commenced a comprehensive verification process according to its internal processes and procedures based on the previous NSFAS deviation approvals.

To date, 260 of the 1363 affected students have had payments processed to service providers, covering the period up to June/July 2026. The reduction from the original 1,392 students reflects the exclusion of 29 students affected by the NSFAS funding gap review process.

Read more:
https://www.cut.ac.za/news/cut-update-on-payment-of-accommodation-allowances-for-affected-nsfas-funded-students-in-non-accredited-accommodations

Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim conducts oversight visit at CUT Welkom Campus

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Yusuf Cassim, is engaging with CUT management, staff and students at the Welkom Campus on ongoing NSFAS student non-accredited accommodation challenges.

The engagement forms part of the Deputy Minister’s oversight visit, aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the challenges affecting students and engaging relevant stakeholders on possible interventions.

CUT will be hosting the 3rd Human Resources Management Summit, convening industry leaders, academics and HR professionals to discuss the future of work, leadership and people development.

The summit will feature a keynote address by Ms Mabo Malaza, Head of Learning, Development and Transformation at Harmony Gold Mining, who will share insights on developing future-ready talent, driving organisational transformation and building resilient workplaces in an evolving world of work.

Date:12 August 2026
Venue: CUT Welkom Campus, Multipurpose Hall

CUT Alumnus pursues PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of alumnus Munashe Ignatius Chibinyani, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University in the United States.

His achievement reflects more than personal success. It demonstrates the role universities such as CUT play in cultivating researchers who are equipped to contribute to global scientific advancement while remaining committed to addressing real-world challenges.

Originally from Botswana, Munashe Ignatius Chibinyani completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Botswana before joining the CUT, where he pursued a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from 2021 to 2025. During this period, he immersed himself in advanced research in additive manufacturing and advanced structures, building a strong foundation in engineering innovation, scientific inquiry and applied problem-solving. His postgraduate journey at CUT not only refined his technical expertise but also strengthened his research capability, enabling him to contribute to internationally published scholarly work and compete at the highest levels of academia.

“Becoming the first graduate in my family was more than a personal achievement, it was the fulfilment of a dream shared by those who had sacrificed so much for my future. After completing my master's degree at CUT, family responsibilities required me to temporarily step away from academia. I accepted a position as an insurance loss adjuster to help provide financial stability for my family.”

Today, his doctoral research at Stanford University focuses on intelligent structures and advanced materials with applications in aerospace, robotics and medicine-fields that are shaping the future of engineering and technology. Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, he hopes to create research collaborations and opportunities for talented students from Botswana and other resource-constrained communities, ensuring that future generations have greater access to world-class research environments.

Sharing the significance of this milestone, he highlighted that, "although I did not announce my admission when it happened, starting my PhD at Stanford has been one of the most meaningful milestones of my life. It represents years of sacrifice, perseverance, faith and support from so many people." Reflecting on the path that brought him to Stanford, he added, "from the University of Botswana, to CUT and now to Stanford University, this journey has taught me that our starting point does not have to define our destination."

Read more:
https://www.cut.ac.za/news/cut-alumnus-pursues-phd-in-mechanical-engineering-at-stanford-university

CUT invites you to MJITA Let's Talk, a space for honest conversations where male students and staff can reflect, challenge stereotypes, embrace vulnerability and redefine what strength truly means.

Under the theme "Broken but Building: Healing. Purpose. Power", the event encourages men to reflect on life's challenges, redefine strength and embrace the journey of healing.

Date:12 September 2026
Time: 12:00
Venue: CUT Welkom Campus
Dress Code: Smart Casual

CUT invites you to NKOSAZANA 2026 to celebrate the women who continue to light the way for others through courage and purpose

At NKOSAZANA 2026, the conversation goes beyond motivation. It is about the choices, resilience and courage required to lead with purpose and leave a lasting impact.

Under the theme "Keep Your Lamp Burning," speakers from diverse backgrounds will share the experiences that shaped their journeys, offering practical lessons on leadership, perseverance and staying true to your values.

Date: 29 August 2026
Time: 12:00
Venue: Multi-purpose Hall, CUT Welkom Campus

CUT invites staff and students to Pre-Nkosazana 2026, an empowering event featuring meaningful conversations on purpose, leadership and personal growth.

Hosted under the theme, “Unfiltered and Unapologetically LIT- Keep Your Lamp Burning,” the event will feature an engaging panel discussion where speakers will share insights on how they navigated challenges, embraced authenticity and transformed obstacles into opportunities. Their stories will inspire you to lead with purpose, build resilience and realise your full potential.

Date: 27 August 2026
Time: 12:30
Venue: CUT Welkom Campus, Multi-purpose Hall
Dress code: Dress comfortably