New Science and Technology University for Ekurhuleni

The City’s relentless pursuit to establish the University of Ekurhuleni that will focus in the study fields of applied Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology has the prospect to unlock the economic potential of the City.

The Executive Mayor for the City of Ekurhuleni Cllr Mzwandile Masina said that he is strongly pursuing the issue of the establishment of an Ekurhuleni University.

“The feasibility study we have conducted gave us the understanding that indeed there is a need and immense potential for a University within the city. Subsequently, we started the process of lobbying national government for the establishment of a University, said Masina.

So far, we have reached a common understanding with the Department of Higher Education and Training and have an in-principle agreement that this University can be established.

“We are still negotiating modalities of what shape and form it will take and over what period will it come to life.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa has furthermore announced that government will establish a new university in the city of Ekurhuleni which will focus on science, innovation and technology.

“We have decided to establish a new University of Science and Innovation in Ekurhuleni. Ekurhuleni is the only metro in our country that does not have a university,” the president said.

This will enable young people in that metro to be trained in high-impact and cutting-edge technological innovation for current and future industries.”

South African universities

South Africa is currently home to 26 universities, split into three different groups:

• There are 9 universities of technology focused on vocationally oriented education;
• 6 comprehensive universities offering a combination of academic and vocational diplomas and degrees; and
• 11 traditional universities offering theoretically oriented university degrees.