(AGENPARL) – Thu 04 September 2025 PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4 September 2025
Innovation and entrepreneurship resonate in the mathematics classroom at CUT
The classic question: “Why must we do mathematics?” sparked more than just the usual explanation that tools and skills are required for problem solving whether it be in the mathematics classroom or in the real world, it initiated a compulsory real-world problem-solving assignment imbedded in mathematics material for students to experience the art of problem solving first hand. This assignment, added to Engineering Mathematics III content at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), required students to extend solving “x” in the mathematics classroom to a real-world “x”, demonstrating that problem-solving requires a basket of tools, skills, instruction and a twist of innovation – the fuller the basket the more elaborate the problem that can be solved.
Since 2019, over 1000 mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering students have actively engaged in tackling real world challenges, building solutions, and all that is required to bring products to market. This was made possible with the support of the Idea Generator Unit (iGym). This resource empowers students, providing them with the necessary tools, mentorship, and guidance to turn their ideas into tangible solutions.
This has been a collaborative effort between academia and CUT support units such as the Idea Generator (idea-GYM) unit in the Innovation & Technology Transfer Office (ITTO) under the Research, Innovation and Engagement Division, the unit for product development and technology transfer (PDTS), the unit for fabrication (FABLAB), the Civil lab (CiviLab), the disability unit and the Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology.
At CUT, our students are not just gaining theoretical knowledge, they are also acquiring a range of practical skills through our innovation hubs. These hubs offer free training in a variety of areas, including Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing, cement construction, entrepreneurship, sign language, and gas welding. Hands-on training equips our students with the skills they need to succeed in the real world and be preferred candidates in industry.
“The collaboration between the Mathematics Department and the Idea Generator Unit helped students realise – this is why we solve “x”. Besides extending problem-solving to the real world, the inclusion of innovation in the engineering syllabus serves another very important purpose. At universities of technology such as CUT, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) requires engineering students to accumulate Graduate Attributes (GAs) of which Problem Solving is at the top of the list” said Dr. Michelle Erasmus.
Skills Training included Computer Aided Design (CAD), operating a 3D printer, Sign Language, Brick Making, Welding, and Costing of manufacturing a prototype.
CUT Idea Generator (iGym) Manager, Dr. Izabeth Conradie, shared an exciting vision for the future. She highlighted that collaborations such as this one indicate a bright future for innovation and entrepreneurship at CUT. With a vibrant on-campus marketplace where student innovation meets real-world demand, the future is indeed promising and full of potential, inspiring all involved to continue their efforts.
Caption: From Left: Mr. Frederick Matongo, Mr. Gustav Bernard, Mr. Phekgodi Lucas Morudi, Ms. Relebohile Motsoeneng, Mr. Aobakwe Tshenge, Dr. Michelle Erusmas, Dr. Izabeth Conradie and Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa.
More about CUT
CUT is the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa, dedicated to quality education and training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. CUT boasts pockets of excellence, including a premier hotel school and leading research and innovation platforms, i.e., world-class 3D printing technology through medical product development.
For more information about CUT visit http://www.cut.ac.za
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