THENSA Ushers in New Era with Prof Pamela Dube as Chairperson and Prof Khehla Ndlovu as Deputy

The Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) has announced a pivotal leadership transition, appointing Professor Pamela Zibuyile Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Central University of Technology (CUT), as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors. Complementing her is Professor Stephen Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), named as Deputy Chairperson. Effective from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028, this duo brings decades of expertise in steering technology-focused institutions toward innovation and societal impact.

THENSA, a consortium championing technological advancement in higher education, views these appointments as a strategic boost. As the voice for Universities of Technology (UoTs) and comprehensive institutions across South Africa and beyond, the network anticipates enhanced collaboration under Dube and Ndlovu's guidance. Their roles will emphasize strategic oversight, fostering partnerships, and driving initiatives aligned with national priorities like the National Development Plan (NDP) and Africa 2063 Agenda.

The Evolution and Mission of THENSA

Established in 2006 as the South African Technology Network (SATN), THENSA rebranded in 2019 to encompass a broader array of technology-oriented higher education providers. Today, it unites six South African UoTs—Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), CUT, Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and VUT—alongside comprehensive universities such as Walter Sisulu University (WSU), University of Mpumalanga (UMP), and University of Venda (UNIVEN). Associate members include Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA), amplifying its continental reach.

At its core, THENSA's mission revolves around enabling members to tackle pressing challenges through technological education, research, and innovation. It advocates for best practices in teaching and learning, produces globally competitive graduates, and spearheads research yielding sustainable solutions. Governed by a board of vice-chancellors from member institutions, THENSA operates via task teams on specialized projects, ensuring collective strengths translate into real-world value for students, staff, and industry partners.

The network's vision positions it as a leader in equity, innovation, and social impact, particularly amid South Africa's youth unemployment crisis exceeding 45% for those aged 15-34. By focusing on science, engineering, arts, and technology (SEAT) programs, THENSA bridges academia and the world of work, preparing agile professionals for a digital economy.

Prof Pamela Dube: A Trailblazing Leader at CUT

Professor Pamela Dube's ascent to THENSA Chairperson underscores her stature as a transformative figure in South African higher education. Appointed CUT's first female Vice-Chancellor and Principal in January 2024, Dube holds a PhD and MA in Comparative Literature and Media from Germany's University of Siegen, earned summa cum laude. Her foundational degrees—BA and Honours in English and Speech & Drama from the former University of Natal—laid the groundwork for a career blending academia, leadership, and advocacy.

At CUT, Dube has prioritized student-centered growth, automation, and 'Smart R&D' in the institution's 2026-2030 strategic plan. Her tenure has seen expanded capacity, international partnerships, and accolades like Deputy Chairperson of the Free State Investment and Economic Advisory Council. Dube's international exposure, including roles at Inanda Seminary and global forums, equips her to champion THENSA's innovation agenda. As she steps into this role, CUT celebrates her as a continuation of its legacy, following predecessors like former THENSA CEO Prof Henk de Jager.

Dube's leadership philosophy emphasizes breaking gender stereotypes and fostering inclusive excellence, making her ideally suited to guide THENSA toward equitable technological advancement.

Prof Khehla Ndlovu: Strategic Visionary from VUT

Professor Stephen Khehla Ndlovu, VUT's Vice-Chancellor since February 2024, brings over 32 years of higher education experience to his Deputy Chairperson position. Previously Unisa's Vice-Principal for Strategy, Risk, and Advisory Services, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at DUT, Ndlovu's career spans strategic planning, governance, and operational excellence.

At VUT, Ndlovu has approved a R2 billion balanced budget, repositioned facilities like the Isak Steyl Stadium for institutional pride, and forged partnerships enhancing skills development. His writings, such as calls for emulating industrial pioneers like Hendrik van der Bijl, reflect a commitment to revitalizing South Africa's technological sector. Ndlovu's broad policy acumen will support THENSA's governance, ensuring robust responses to sector challenges.

Together with Dube, Ndlovu's pragmatic approach promises to amplify THENSA's influence in policy advocacy and project execution.

Photo by Hennie Stander on Unsplash

Strategic Significance Amid South Africa's Higher Education Landscape

These appointments arrive at a critical juncture for South African higher education. With public universities at capacity—rejecting thousands of qualified 2026 matriculants due to funding constraints—UoTs under THENSA's umbrella offer vital alternatives. Enrollments in technology programs have surged, yet challenges persist: infrastructure deficits, digital divides, and graduate employability gaps in a 32.9% unemployment economy.

THENSA's focus on Technology-Based Education (TBE) addresses these head-on. Recent collaborations, like the January 2025 memorandum with Universities South Africa (USAf), enhance joint advocacy. The new leadership will likely intensify efforts in digital ecosystems, where high data costs and network gaps hinder progress. For instance, CUT's automation push exemplifies scalable models THENSA can replicate.

Key THENSA Initiatives Driving Transformation

THENSA's portfolio brims with impactful projects. The Higher Education Reform Experts South Africa (HERE-SA) equips reformers with skills for policy shifts. UNIICo-create, a SADC-wide entrepreneurship initiative, combats low job creation by co-creating university-industry curricula, involving over 30 representatives from member institutions.

Other flagships include Research Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA)-funded efforts uniting innovators with public-private partners, and green energy forums charting Africa's sustainable future. Partnerships with ATUPA (200+ members) and CAPA extend THENSA's reach, promoting SEAT qualifications tailored to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

• Digital learning ecosystems to upskill graduates for AI and automation.
• Entrepreneurship education revolutionizing start-up success rates.
• Policy advocacy aligning with NDP targets for inclusive growth.

Under Dube and Ndlovu, these will scale, potentially integrating TVET reforms to ease university pressures. For more on the announcement, visit the official THENSA press release.

Addressing Persistent Challenges in Technology-Focused Higher Education

South Africa's UoTs grapple with enrollment booms—597,000 students in public HE, per recent stats—yet face funding shortfalls, student housing crises, and N4-N6 TVET phase-outs delaying reforms. Youth pivot to TVETs signals demand for practical skills, but poor coordination hampers implementation.

Prof Dube's experience in capacity-building at CUT positions her to advocate for infrastructure investments. Ndlovu's risk management expertise will fortify financial sustainability, vital amid R1 billion scandals like NSFAS outsourcing. Their tenure could harmonize UoT strategies with national goals, mitigating 500,000+ annual rejections.

Stakeholders praise the duo's selections; the Free State Department of Education congratulated Dube, highlighting her waves in leadership. Industry eyes stronger bridges for 4IR-ready talent.

Future Outlook: Innovation, Collaboration, and Impact

Looking ahead, Dube and Ndlovu will steer THENSA toward refreshed priorities: TBE for future-ready graduates, expanded R&D ecosystems, and SDG-aligned research. Expect deepened USAf ties, ATUPA synergies, and pan-African projects like green energy hubs.

For students, this means enhanced employability via work-integrated learning; for faculty, collaborative platforms boosting outputs. Institutions benefit from shared best practices, while South Africa gains from a robust tech talent pipeline addressing 60% graduate unemployment paradoxes.

Details on Dube's CUT strategies appear in CUT's announcement, underscoring her pivotal influence.

Photo by Brent Ninaber on Unsplash

Implications for Students, Industry, and Policymakers

THENSA's new guard promises actionable insights: step-by-step digital upskilling, from infrastructure audits to AI curricula. Concrete examples include CUT's assistive tech distributions and VUT's stadium repurposing for community engagement.

Industry perspectives highlight needs for 4IR skills; THENSA's advocacy ensures alignment. Policymakers gain a unified UoT voice amid TVET expansions and NDP reviews.

• Graduates: Competitive edge via entrepreneurship co-creation.
• Industry: Tailored R&D partnerships.
• Government: Data-driven policy on tech HE capacity.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Broader Context

CUT lauds Dube's 'unwavering commitment,' while VUT anticipates Ndlovu's surplus-generating prowess. Broader context: SA HE's digital shift, with UoTs leading amid 2026 capacity walls. Multi-perspective views balance optimism with calls for funding hikes.

Future outlook: Potential for 10-15% enrollment growth in tech programs, per trends, fostering economic multipliers.