The Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (Thensa) marked its 20th anniversary with a gala celebration at the Pivot Hotel Conference Centre at Montecasino, bringing together leaders from higher education, government, industry, and international partners to reflect on two decades of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

The event welcomed vice-chancellors and principals from Thensa’s member universities, along with representatives from embassies, government departments, the private sector, and long-standing partners, who all gathered to celebrate the consortium’s contribution to technology-focused higher education since its establishment in 2004.

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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela said the milestone was not only an opportunity to celebrate past achievements; it reaffirmed the importance of universities of technology in South Africa’s future. “The next decade will require universities of technology to demonstrate, through measurable outcomes, why their distinctive mission is indispensable to the country’s economic growth and development.”

Manamela said universities of technology occupy a unique position within the higher education landscape, by connecting academic knowledge with industry needs and practical problem-solving. “Their core purpose is to produce highly skilled engineers, engineering technologists, technicians, applied scientists, designers, and entrepreneurs who can drive innovation and respond to the evolving needs of the economy.”

He cautioned institutions against mission drift, saying research excellence should not come at the expense of their practical, industry-focused mandate. “A differentiated higher education system is not a hierarchy, but one in which institutions pursue different forms of excellence while collaborating to advance South Africa’s national development goals.”

Ireland’s ambassador to South Africa Austin Gormley highlighted the long-standing partnership between Ireland and Thensa, describing collaboration between technological universities in both countries as key to economic development. “I am particularly interested in seeing how higher education in South Africa is contributing to economic growth, what lessons we can learn from one another, and how we can deepen our collaboration and strengthen our partnerships going forward.”

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Thensa chief executive professor Henk de Jager said the anniversary celebrated not only the organisation’s achievements but also the people and institutions that helped shape it over the past two decades. “We will continue to reimagine technology-focused higher education, develop future-ready graduates, strengthen research and innovation, and contribute to the sustainable socioeconomic development of South Africa, Namibia, and the African continent.”

The evening also recognised individuals and organisations that have contributed to Thensa’s growth through its Leadership and Achievement Awards and Special Awards.

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