LIMPOPO – The initial excitement surrounding the anticipated opening of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) campus in Giyani is gradually fading, giving way to growing uncertainty and concern as information around its opening in January remains largely unconfirmed.

Many community members, students, and stakeholders who were eagerly awaiting the campus’s launch in January now find themselves questioning whether this promise will be fulfilled.

Delays in communication, logistical challenges, and the lack of clear updates from the university have fuelled doubts about the readiness of the institution to begin operations as planned.

Responding to questions about the opening of the TUT Giyani Campus, Giyani Municipality spokesperson Steve Mavunda stated that the municipality has not yet received an update on whether the campus will open in January as planned.

“What we know is that if the campus does not open, the alternative would be online classes. However, TUT’s DG is strongly opposed to anything other than physical classes,” he said.

Mavunda further explained that during a strategic planning meeting held on Thursday with TUT officials, no clear mention was made in their progress report about whether the campus would open on time.

Instead, their presentation focused primarily on addressing critical technical issues necessary for the campus’s opening, such as securing a water license certificate and obtaining title deeds for the college premises.

“The report presented during the Greater Giyani Municipality (GGM) strategic planning session today brought a significant update, confirming that GGM has officially transferred the title deed for the Giyani College to the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT),” explained Mavunda.

This milestone means that Giyani College is now formally under the management and ownership of TUT, marking a critical step in the process of establishing the much-anticipated campus.

“While this development is a positive sign of progress, more detailed and factual updates are expected as TUT and the Department of Higher Education continue to communicate further plans and timelines with the municipality. For now, the municipality wishes to express its satisfaction with the advancements made with regard to the campus. The successful transfer of ownership is a key element in addressing some of the technical issues previously identified as crucial for the campus’s readiness, and the municipality remains optimistic about the institution’s future in Giyani,” he said.