Vice-Chancellor presents equity-driven approach at World Access to Higher Education Day conference
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Central University of Technology’s work on student success has gained international recognition at a global higher education forum, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Pam Dube representing the institution’s innovative approach to equity-driven change.
At the World Access to Higher Education Day (WAHED) conference held on 28 October, Professor Dube spoke in Session 2 on reimagining access and success in South African higher education, sharing CUT’s approach anchored in the university’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which places students at the heart of everything the institution does.
Global Network Leadership
Professor Dube’s participation reflects her role on the Advisory Board of the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN), which leads WAHED as a global response to deepening inequities in higher education.
WAHED 2025 underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to ensure access and success for students from all backgrounds—a mission closely aligned with CUT’s strategic commitment to equity and student success.
Siyaphumelela Partnership
Her presentation highlighted CUT’s role as a partner in the Siyaphumelela Network 3.0 since 2024. Siyaphumelela (We Succeed) is a Kresge Foundation-funded initiative that advances evidence-based strategies to improve student success across South African higher education.
The initiative, supported and administered by the South African Institute for Distance Education (Saide), works to embed systemic change through a collective impact approach.
Substantial Investment in Change
Regarding the Siyaphumelela programme, Professor Dube stated: “It builds on earlier phases by strengthening a student-centred culture, improving institutional capacity to use data effectively, and expanding proven student success practices across the sector. Through its funding of $240,000 over three years, it already supports CUT in addressing disparities in completion rates and in aligning institutional practices with the needs of diverse student populations.”
Strategic Partnerships Secured
Professor Dube’s sustained engagement with WAHED has helped secure ongoing support from the Kresge Foundation and the Saville Foundation, whilst drawing interest from new partners, including Old Mutual, which is exploring support for children of labour union members.
The close collaboration between SAIDE and the Centre for Innovative Learning and Teaching (CILT), previously led by Professor Ntsoaki Malebo, now Dean of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, has created new opportunities for CUT students and staff.
Earlier this year, this partnership supported student Bradley Gawie and selected CUT employees to attend the annual Achieving the Dream conference in the USA through grant funding.
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Future-Focused Strategic Vision
CUT’s active participation in WAHED and initiatives such as Siyaphumelela positions the university to contribute to, and benefit from, global partnerships that advance student support and sustainable funding.
Professor Dube’s leadership aligns directly with CUT’s draft Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which is scheduled for approval at Council in November. The plan commits the institution to enhancing student academic success, developing work-ready graduates and entrepreneurs, and becoming a future-focused university of technology.
Guided by the core values of ubuntu, integrity, diversity, innovation, and excellence, and informed by the emerging orientations of sustainability and digital citizenship, the plan integrates institutional and individual performance to ensure every action contributes to student outcomes.
Pioneering Leadership
As the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of CUT, Professor Dube brings a steady, collaborative approach grounded in these values. Her stewardship reflects the university’s motto: Thinking Beyond.
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