Unisa explores collaborative opportunities through cutting-edge 4IR lab

College of Science, Engineering & Technology

The West Coast College (WCC), a leading technical vocational education and training (TVET) college in the Western Cape, recently hosted Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET) for a two-day engagement at its state-of-the-art, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) laboratory housed at WCC's Atlantis Campus in Cape Town.

Back from left: Andre Muller (Academic Manager: Occupational Programmes), Charlene Serrone-Johnson (HR Manager, WCC), Anathi Zengeta (Academic Manager: Ministerial Programmes), Zanele Ntankana (Partnerships and Linkages Manager, WCC), Melissa Parker (Director: Provincial Skills and Partnerships, DEDAT), Fikile Machimana (Provincial Manager WC: ETDPSETA) and Phumzile Nkuzo (Campus Manager: Atlantis Campus)

Front from left: Distinguished Professor in the Automotive Industry Catalytic Niche Area, Prof Igor Gorlach; CEO and WCC Principal, Lungisa Mbulawa; Executive Dean: CSET, Prof Bhekie Mamba; and Distinguished Professor in the 4IR and Digitalisation Catalytic Niche Area, Prof Colin Thakur

The visit, initiated by WCC’s Principal and CEO, Lungisa Mbulawa, took place on 17 and 18 February 2025 and was led by Prof Bhekie Mamba, Executive Dean of CSET. He was accompanied by two Distinguished Professors – Professors Colin Thakur and Igor Gorlach, who are active in Unisa’s 4IR and digitalisation, and automotive catalytic niche areas respectively.

Bridging the gap between TVETs and universities

The higher education sector in South Africa comprises universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges. Despite their shared mission, these institutions often operate in silos, meaning that they fail to harness their respective strengths synergistically. Addressing this gap, Mamba eloquently stated: "Industries demand both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skills. Universities are traditionally seen as the providers of theoretical knowledge, while TVETs focus on practical application. However, a 4IR-compliant learner must be equipped with both."

A vision for inclusive 4IR education

WCC, through the leadership of its academic manager, Andre Muller, has demonstrated remarkable foresight in conceptualising, funding and commissioning its cutting-edge 4IR laboratory. However, Mbulawa expressed concern over the unintended exclusion of TVET students from broader academic progression. Reflecting on this challenge, he emphasised: "We must collaborate to create articulation pathways that allow TVET students to upskill into university degrees. Likewise, universities can benefit from TVETs’ practical expertise by leveraging our 4IR labs to enhance their students’ hands-on skills."

Building partnerships for transformative learning

Recognising the potential of the 4IR laboratory as a shared resource, Muller and Thakur worked diligently to bring together key stakeholders for this engagement. Those present included:

Melissa Parker, Western Cape Office of the Premier
Fikile Machimana, Education Training and Development Practices SETA
Jomo Jacobs, Department of Higher Education TVET 4IR Curriculum Director
Various senior WCC staff members

One of the key outcomes of the visit was the proposal to formalise a memorandum of understanding between Unisa and WCC to maximise the impact of the 4IR laboratory.

Future collaborative projects

Several initiatives emerged from the discussions, including:

Automotive programmes – led by Unisa’s Gorlach
Expansion of Unisa’s water research initiatives
Formal and non-formal 4IR Training for TVET lecturers in the Western Cape
Training of basic education educators in 4IR technologies

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for March 2025 to solidify these plans.

A shared commitment to employment-focused education

Thakur highlighted the significance of the 4IR lab in equipping students with AI, automation, cybersecurity and digital transformation skills, noting: "We cannot just teach for exams; we must teach for employment. Collaborative education initiatives attract government and international funding, unlocking new opportunities for universities and TVETs alike."

Mamba reinforced this vision, committing to driving the development and implementation of a structured operational plan. He closed with a powerful reminder: "TVETs build skills, universities build knowledge—together, we will build the future."

* By Prof Colin Thakur, Distinguished Professor in 4IR and Digitalisation

Publish date: 2025/02/27