LIMPOPO – In a renewed show of cooperation and shared vision, Greater Giyani Municipality Mayor Thandi Zitha recently met with senior officials from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to receive a progress update on the much-anticipated TUT Giyani Campus.

The meeting highlighted the determination of both the municipality and the university to bring higher education closer to rural communities in Mopani. The TUT delegation was led by the interim rector of the Giyani Campus, Isaac Tlhabadira, who provided detailed insights into developments thus far.

Tlhabadira assured the mayor and her team that the university remains fully committed to launching the campus by January 2026. “He emphasised that regardless of the challenges they may encounter, the primary goal is to ensure that the campus becomes operational at the beginning of next year.

“He stated that, even if it means starting with a limited number of academic programmes, they will rather begin small than delay the launch entirely,” explained municipal spokesperson Steve Mavunda while providing an update on the meeting between GGM and TUT delegates.

“According to Tlhabadira, preparations are in advanced stages, with the necessary groundwork being laid to ensure that infrastructure, academic planning, and staffing are aligned with the institution’s readiness targets,” he said.

Meanwhile, the mayor was accompanied by a strong team from the municipality, which included members of the political management team (PMT) and the executive committee (Exco).

Among those present were speaker Ernest Mboweni, Chief Whip Thomas Makondo, Cllr Thamsanqa Mabunda, the head of Infrastructure, Cllr Cedric Baloyi, the head of Planning and Local Economic Development, and municipal manager Vusi Khoza.

Commenting on the meeting, the mayor expressed her appreciation for the progress made thus far and commended TUT’s leadership for their tireless efforts in bringing the project to life.

She reaffirmed the municipality’s full backing, pledging to continue working hand in hand with the institution to meet the project’s deadlines.

“The people of Giyani have waited a long time for an institution of higher learning to be established within their reach. We are proud to see the vision taking shape, and we remain committed to walking this journey with TUT until we see students walk through the gates of the Giyani Campus,” said Zitha.

The TUT Giyani Campus is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming the higher education landscape in the Mopani District.

It will not only reduce the need for students to travel long distances to access tertiary education but will also open up new pathways for youth development, job creation, and economic growth in the region.