(AGENPARL) – Fri 23 January 2026 PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 January 2026
CUT’s new first-years excited for registrations
As the new year gathers momentum and ambitions sharpen into plans, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is once again opening its doors to the next generation of professionals. Following the release of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, first-year registrations officially commenced on 19 January across the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses up until 23 January 2026. The registration period offers incoming students the opportunity to prepare for the academic year set to begin in February.
At the Bloemfontein campus, the atmosphere has been charged with a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation. For many first-year students, registration marks the symbolic crossing from aspiration into action, an emotional milestone that carries both hope and uncertainty.
Among the new arrivals is 17-year-old Reitumetsi Mokati from Ventersburg in the Free State, who has enrolled for Mechanical Engineering. Mokati discovered CUT through social media while researching institutions that would best support his career goals. He described his registration experience as efficient and well supported, crediting both the university staff and his immediate family for easing his transition. Eager to begin this new chapter, Mokati shared his enthusiasm for meeting new people and immersing himself in the university’s culture and facilities.
Also stepping confidently into her academic journey is 20-year-old Kitso Liretse from Bloemfontein, who has registered for Design and Studio Art in the Faculty of Humanities. Although she applied to several universities, Liretse said CUT had always been her first choice. Influenced by family members who are alumni of the institution, she added that the strength and reputation of the Design and Studio Art programme ultimately confirmed her decision.
Beyond the registration desks and processing stations, moments of connection unfolded naturally. Friendship began to take shape as first-year Hospitality Management students Fekile Mokoena (22) from Everton in the Vaal and Minetle Nkosi (19) from KwaZulu-Natal navigated the registration process side by side, sharing the experience that marks the beginning of their academic paths.
For Yamkelo Nkomo, a 20-year-old Hospitality Management student from Durban, registration represented more than administrative formalities, it symbolised the start of adulthood. Preparing to live off campus, Nkomo expressed excitement about taking full responsibility for his life and future. With aspirations of becoming the second graduate in his family after his sister, he described CUT as his personal first choice, noting its strong reputation in hospitality education. Despite a long journey to Bloemfontein that began the day before registration, Nkomo reflected positively on the experience, highlighting conversations with fellow travellers from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds as a memorable part of his journey.
These individual stories collectively paint a picture of transition, ambition, and possibility. Together, they reflect the broader mission of CUT, to nurture talent, open doors, and play a meaningful role in shaping the futures of young South Africans at the very start of their academic journeys.
Captions:
1. CUT First-year Mechanical Engineering student Reitumetsi Mokati at the Bloemfontein campus shortly after completing his registration.
2. CUT First-year Design and Studio Art student Kitso Liretse at the Boet Troski Hall after completing her registration journey.
3. From Left to Right: Fekile Mokoena and Minetle Nkosi, first-year Hospitality Management students at CUT, as newly registered members of the CUT community.
4. CUT First-year Hospitality Management student Yamkelo Nkomo at the Bloemfontein campus after completing his registration.
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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