“VUT hosts F’SATI delegation to strengthen international academic and innovation partnerships, aligning with Strategy 2033+ goals for global impact.”
05 August 2025 | Story By: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently hosted a high-level international delegation from the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), reaffirming its commitment to fostering global partnerships in science, engineering and digital innovation.
The engagement, held on 30 July 2025, was led by VUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Dr Mukondeleli Grace Kanakana-Katumba, and brought together academic leaders, researchers and innovators from both institutions.
The visit aimed to deepen collaboration in teaching, learning, research and innovation. Discussions centred on strengthening academic partnerships, advancing postgraduate training and exploring joint initiatives aligned with VUT’s Strategy 2033+ vision of driving digitally innovative and sustainable industrial progress.
Proceedings opened with a welcome address by Dr Simphiwe Nelana, VUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation, who emphasised the importance of collaborative ecosystems in advancing knowledge production and applied research. “This engagement with F’SATI is not only about academic exchange, but also about co-creating innovative solutions to global challenges,” he said.
Dr Kanakana-Katumba followed with a presentation titled VUT at a Glance, offering insights into the university’s academic footprint, strategic goals and vision to lead digitally innovative and sustainable industrial growth.
Presentations by Professor Khaled Abou-El-Hossein, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and Professor Christa Grobler, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, showcased VUT’s innovative projects and emerging research areas, highlighting the university’s strengths in engineering and applied sciences.
A key highlight of the programme was the presentation by Mr Ritesh Kanjee, Founder and CEO of Augmented AI, who shared pioneering work in artificial intelligence and its transformative applications to assisting teaching and learning environment with AI generated content, drawing significant interest from both local and international delegates.
The international delegation included Dr Yves Blanchard, Deputy Vice President for International Relations for Sub-Saharan Africa from Gustave Eiffel University, VUT’s European counterpart in the F’SATI partnership. He provided an insightful overview of Gustave Eiffel University, one of the French Operator partners on the F’SATI programme underlining the vital role of cross-continental collaboration in addressing global technological challenges.
Professor Anish Kurien, Director of F’SATI Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) offered a detailed presentation on F’SATI, outlining its structure, research clusters and its expanding role in postgraduate training and innovation within the South African and French academic spheres.
This engagement builds on a long-standing relationship between VUT and F’SATI, with both institutions committed to strengthening partnerships that advance scientific innovation and socio-economic transformation.
The visit concluded with a collaborative dialogue exploring opportunities to expand student and staff exchanges, develop joint research projects and establish innovation platforms, particularly in aerospace, artificial intelligence and information and communication technology.
This partnership underscores VUT’s dedication to international collaboration, advancing scientific knowledge and contributing meaningfully to socio-economic development through technology and education.