Remarkable progress has been made to build the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) first university in Boksburg and the project is set to get underway next year.
This update was shared by the CoE Mayor Doctor Xhakaza when he reported back on his first 100 days in office at a council meeting in Germiston recently.
Xhakaza said he met with the project steering committee, comprising representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training, existing universities, and various organizations and sectors, last month to receive the latest updates on the project.
The committee revealed the department intended to get the project underway next year on the property of the former Cinderella Prison and surrounding property that borders Railway Street and Trichardts and Campbell roads.
Working with the city and industry partners, the department has spent the past couple of years conducting feasibility studies for the university.
“This is the second phase of the process towards establishing the university. The first phase was completed two years ago. The realisation of the university is one of our flagship projects,” Xhakaza said.
The work conducted so far includes location and infrastructure, the institution’s academic offerings, financing, governance and administration and a work plan for implementing the project next year.
The university was first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2020 State of the National Address, in which he pointed out that Ekurhuleni is the only metro in the country without a university.
Earlier this year, in his statement on the post-school education and training sector state of readiness for the 2024 academic year, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande stated: “As announced by the president during Sona, we will establish a University of Science and Innovation in Ekurhuleni that will enable young people to be trained in high-impact and cutting-edge technological innovation for current and future industries.’
He said technical planning work was underway to provide the government with detailed plans to enable the long-term development of the new academic institution. He expected this work would be completed this year.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the CoE welcomes the latest developments in realizing the establishment of the university.
“The city was lobbying national government for the building of a university as far back as former mayor Mzwandile Masina’s tenure,” he said.
The Advertiser is awaiting comment from the Department of Higher Education and Training on project costs, qualifications that will be offered, and capacity, including staff complement and students.
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