A Creative Spirit Is Sweeping Marabastad! As the winter chill fades and the warm embrace of spring begins to bloom, a creative energy is sweeping across Marabastad. Gathered at the foot of one of Pretoria’s scenic hills, the community and visitors alike are treated to a stunning view. At the heart of this hill sits the Pretoria Campus of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), with a backdrop stretching towards the historic Union Buildings on Meintjieskop and the rich history of Marabastad, an old township dating back to the late 1800s.
Marabastad: A Historical Gem
In the 1940s, Marabastad was the central settlement between the Apies River and Skinner Spruit. It was the heartbeat of black life—home to African, Coloured, and Indian communities. The township has long been a cultural and creative hub, birthing movements like the original Amapiano music, rooted in the sounds of Marabi. It was also a place that gave rise to intellectual and creative giants such as Can Themba, whose vivid writings captured the essence of township life, and Es’kia Mphahlele, an iconic storyteller and chronicler of African life.
Marabastad’s influence can still be felt today in the halls of TUT, where creativity, innovation, and cultural vigor continue to thrive. The legacy of Marabastad lives on, and Tshwane University of Technology is undeniably its spiritual child.
TUT: A Hub Of Innovation And Creativity
At Tshwane University of Technology, creativity is not only celebrated, but also fostered through a carefully crafted curriculum. TUT’s strategy is built upon future-facing elements, including the future of work, problem-solving innovation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. These pillars drive the university’s commitment to addressing national and international goals like the National Development Plan (NDP), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063.
In just 20 years, TUT has cemented itself as a globally respected institution, shaping the future of over 60,000 students annually. Across its campuses in Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, TUT offers a dynamic learning environment through its seven faculties and 16 centers, institutes, technology stations, hubs, and incubators. These entities form a bridge between TUT and industry, government, business, and society, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience through Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
TUT Drive For Practical Solutions
While blue-sky research remains an integral part of any academic institution, TUT stands out for its emphasis on practical, applied research that has real-world applications. The university’s centers, institutes, and technology stations focus on conducting applied research, fostering innovation, inventing solutions, commercializing findings, and launching start-ups. This approach enables TUT to produce future-ready graduates equipped to tackle real-world challenges.
While the university seeks to nurture future Einsteins and Gladys Wests, it is equally committed to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, like Richard Maponya, Judy Dlamini, and Steve Jobs. The aim is to create graduates who will not only contribute to the knowledge economy but will also drive change, innovation, and entrepreneurship in South Africa and beyond.
Marabastad Legacy Lives On
Today, as we gather in the shadow of Marabastad’s rich history, the creative spirit of the township lives on in Tshwane University of Technology. TUT’s innovation centers, hubs, and technology stations are producing cutting-edge innovations, inventions, and start-ups that will shape the future of the country.
Visitors are invited to witness the fruits of applied research and explore the groundbreaking work emerging from TUT’s community. The university is proud to be the embodiment of Pretoria’s capital spirit, carrying forward the inventiveness, creativity, and vigor of Marabastad.
Conclusion
The creative spirit of Marabastad is alive and thriving at Tshwane University of Technology. TUT has become a beacon of innovation, producing future-ready graduates who are equipped to solve the practical challenges of the world. With a curriculum grounded in the future of work, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, TUT stands as the bridge between education and industry.
