The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is preparing to celebrate a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of its first university in Boksburg, scheduled to commence in 2025. The announcement was made by Ekurhuleni Mayor, Doctor Xhakaza, as he marked his first 100 days in office during a council meeting held in Germiston recently.
The project, envisioned as a flagship development for the city, aims to create a state-of-the-art institution that will address the educational needs of the region and foster local economic growth through innovation and research. This university promises to be a game changer for Ekurhuleni, which remains the only metro in South Africa without a higher education institution of its own.
A Landmark Achievement for Ekurhuleni
Speaking at the council meeting, Mayor Xhakaza expressed his satisfaction with the progress made towards the establishment of the university. He stated that the groundwork for the project has been laid out, and the first phase of preparation has been successfully completed.
“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,” said Xhakaza, highlighting the significance of the project for the region.
Last month, Xhakaza met with the project steering committee, which includes representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training, existing universities, and various other organisations and sectors. The committee shared updates on the project’s development and confirmed that the Department of Higher Education and Training intends to begin construction on the property of the former Cinderella Prison and surrounding areas by next year. The identified location is bordered by Railway Street, Trichardts Road, and Campbell Road.
A Vision for a Brighter Future
The university project has been in the pipeline for several years, with detailed feasibility studies conducted to ensure its viability. These studies, carried out in partnership with industry stakeholders and the city, have examined various aspects, including the location and infrastructure, academic offerings, governance structures, and financing options. A comprehensive work plan has been developed to guide the project’s implementation from 2025.
The proposal to build a university in Ekurhuleni was first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he acknowledged that Ekurhuleni is the only metro in the country without a higher education institution. The president stressed the importance of establishing a university in the region to drive local development and create new opportunities for young people.
Focus on Science and Innovation
The institution will focus on science and innovation, equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This strategic focus aligns with the government’s broader goals to promote innovation, research, and development as key drivers of economic growth and job creation.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has been instrumental in pushing the project forward. Earlier this year, in his statement on the post-school education and training sector’s readiness for the 2024 academic year, Dr Nzimande reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing the University of Science and Innovation in Ekurhuleni.
“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,” said Dr Nzimande.
He further revealed that detailed technical planning work is underway to provide the government with the necessary framework to ensure the long-term development of the new academic institution. This technical planning, according to Dr Nzimande, is expected to be completed by the end of this year, setting the stage for the university’s groundbreaking in 2025.
Impact on Ekurhuleni’s Economy
The establishment of the university is expected to have far-reaching effects on the local economy. By attracting students, researchers, and academics from across the country, the institution will become a hub for knowledge exchange and innovation. The presence of the university will also stimulate local businesses, create jobs, and attract investment into the region.
Moreover, the university will play a crucial role in addressing the skills gap in South Africa, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By focusing on these areas, the institution will help prepare young people for careers in emerging industries, ensuring that they are well-equipped to thrive in a competitive global economy.
A Project Welcomed by the Community
The news of the university’s development has been met with enthusiasm by residents and stakeholders in Ekurhuleni. City spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, expressed the CoE’s excitement about the project and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to seeing the project through to completion.
“The City of Ekurhuleni welcomes the latest developments in realising the establishment of the university. This is a significant achievement for the region, and we are confident that the university will have a lasting positive impact on our community and our economy,” said Dlamini.
The city’s leadership, together with industry partners, remains dedicated to ensuring that the university project is implemented effectively and efficiently. Over the coming months, further details about the project’s timeline and the academic programmes it will offer are expected to be released.
The groundbreaking of Ekurhuleni’s first university represents a monumental step forward for the city and its people. With construction set to begin in 2025, the University of Science and Innovation in Boksburg will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, research, and economic development in the region. This project is a testament to the city’s commitment to growth, innovation, and the empowerment of its residents through education.
As the city and its partners work towards turning this vision into reality, the people of Ekurhuleni can look forward to a brighter future, filled with new opportunities for learning, growth, and prosperity.
