Premier engages with vice-chancellors from universities in Gauteng

Gauteng Premier, David Makhura invited vice-chancellors of universities in Gauteng to a meeting to discuss cooperation that will drive the industrial development agenda of the province. The engagement meeting was held at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on 24 May.

VUT's incoming Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Gordon Zide joined other academic leaders in the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by the Premier and all vice-chancellors present.

The universities will have to look at relevant research, centres of excellence and other critical areas that could strengthen and boost Gauteng as a knowledge and economic hub of South Africa. There will be annual engagement between the Gauteng Government and universities to explore open opportunities that will elevate the status of the province.

The Director General will follow up by establishing a task team to operationalise the undertakings made. Universities have been requested to nominate colleagues who are knowledgeable in the areas of research and which the said task team can consult.

The meeting further agreed that a national conference will be held sometime next year in order to interrogate and consolidate the plans which have been agreed upon.