TUT: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

At the Smart Data-Integrated Assembly Workshop, Cornelius Coetzee, General Manager: Industrial Technique Sub-Saharan Africa at Atlas Copco, unpacked how smart manufacturing solutions are helping companies work smarter, faster and more sustainably.

He spoke about the shift towards automation, smart tools and integrated workstations that enable manufacturers to improve productivity, reduce downtime and use resources more efficiently.

The session also highlighted the importance of using data to quickly identify and resolve issues on production lines before they become costly problems. From the automotive sector to general manufacturing, the workshop provided valuable insight into how Industry 4.0 technologies are shaping the future of production.

The Department of Industrial Engineering, in partnership with Atlas Copco, a global leader in industrial manufacturing, is hosting a Smart Data-Integrated Assembly Workshop focused on the technologies driving the next generation of manufacturing.

Bringing together academia and industry, the workshop explores how automation, smart factory solutions and Industry 4.0 technologies are helping organisations improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability in an increasingly digital world.

Acting Head of Department Daniel Mawela said the collaboration presents an opportunity to integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum, ensuring students are equipped with industry-relevant skills.

This week’s Tuesday spotlight features 20-year-old electrical engineering graduate Tshegofatso Morena.

Having secured R100,000 in funding after winning the People’s Choice Award at the Huawei Code4Mzansi contest, Morena demonstrates that innovation is ageless.

He led his team in developing KasiBusket, a digital platform designed to empower spaza shops and strengthen township economies. His partners include Kgodiso Lebese, a Computer Systems student at TUT, and Tebogo Seopa, a BSc Honours student in Computer Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Morena exemplifies the innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship spirit that characterises TUT and FEBE.

Congratulations to him and his team! FEBE is proud!

Follow the link in bio to read more about his story.

TUT SAICE Student Chapter recently visited Roadlab in Germiston, an independent materials testing and geotechnical laboratory across Africa.

The visit highlighted the importance of quality assurance, accuracy, and accountability in civil engineering. Students learned how the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) accredits laboratories to ensure standards.

A calibration exercise with a vernier calliper emphasised precision and ownership. TUT SAICE appreciates Roadlab for hosting them and for connecting classroom learning with industry practice.

Members of the TUT SAICE and UJ SAICE Student Chapters recently visited Eskom’s Komati Power Station as part of a site visit hosted by the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Development (SEED) Division of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE).

The visit gave students first-hand insight into how a power generation facility operates, from coal handling and boiler systems to turbine operations, water treatment and electricity transmission. It also highlighted the important role engineering plays in powering communities and maintaining critical infrastructure.

Experiences like these help connect classroom learning with industry practice, giving students a deeper understanding of the energy sector and the multidisciplinary nature of engineering.

Today’s is inspired by second-year Materials Engineering students Shahadah Mbalati, Thato Maseko, Kgaogelo Mahloma and Unity Sibiya.

When this photo was taken, they were preparing to present their project while balancing test week, assignments, presentations and exams. Sound familiar, FEBE students?

The semester may be challenging, but you have what it takes to get through it. Whether you’re writing an exam, preparing for a test, finalising a project or submitting an assignment, remember that FEBE students are resilient, hardworking and capable of achieving great things. Keep going. Every test, project and exam brings you one step closer to your goals.

Pictured here with their project, the team was tasked with designing a closed-loop recycling plant.

Completing the programme at the inaugural Commuter and Regional Train Services (CRTS) Training was Kaparo Molefi, Executive Manager for Engineering at PRASA, who focused on station improvements for commuter and regional travellers.

Molefi said commuters remain at the centre of PRASA’s planning, with the organisation prioritising safe, reliable and predictable rail services through improved infrastructure and customer-focused upgrades. He highlighted key areas of passenger experience, including service quality, safety, accessibility, affordability and customer satisfaction.

He also noted that while PRASA continues recovering from vandalism and theft, with 321 of 495 stations currently operational, several flagship stations across the country are undergoing modernisation as part of broader station improvement and precinct development programmes.