TUT Troubled The Giyani Campus. The vision of expanding higher education in Giyani through the establishment of a fully operational TUT Giyani campus has encountered a series of unfortunate setbacks. The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), in collaboration with government institutions, initially promised to bring world-class education to the people of Giyani. However, what was once a hopeful project has turned into a quagmire of administrative delays, leadership changes, and stakeholder dissatisfaction.
A Promising Beginning: The Vision for TUT Giyani Campus
In 2021, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) invited the Tshwane University of Technology to extend its footprint to Giyani. The move was part of a broader national strategy to decentralize higher education and make learning more accessible to rural and underserved communities.
In a formal communication, the then Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Blade Nzimande, approved the project and confirmed funding allocation for the 2024/25 financial year. His letter emphasized the department’s intent to ensure that TUT Giyani campus could begin planning and implementation by 2024.
“The funding to be allocated during 2024/25 will enable TUT to start with the planning of the major projects during the 2024 calendar year,” stated Dr. Nzimande.
The announcement was welcomed by Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, who called the initiative a transformative project that would bring educational opportunities closer to local students and promote regional development.
Timeline of Key Events in the TUT Giyani Campus Project
To understand the complexity of the challenges, it’s important to examine the timeline of major events related to the TUT Giyani campus development:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | DHET invites TUT to establish a campus in Giyani |
| 2022 | Project planning delayed despite initial expectations |
| August 2024 | TUT signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Greater Giyani Municipality |
| August 2024 | Appointment of a project manager and Project Transfer Agreement (PTO) signed |
| February 2025 | Project manager is abruptly removed |
| February 2025 | Stakeholder engagement and tender processes disrupted |
Sudden Leadership Changes and Their Consequences
After initial planning and negotiations, things seemed to be on the right track. By August 2024, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between TUT and the Greater Giyani Municipality. Additionally, a Project Transfer Agreement (PTO) was finalized, marking a major milestone toward the physical development of the TUT Giyani campus.
However, the momentum was abruptly halted in February 2025 following the sudden dismissal of the project manager. The reasons behind this removal remain undisclosed, but the consequences have been far-reaching. A scheduled stakeholder engagement session from February 17–21, 2025, was completely missed. This disruption caused complications in the tender process, which required all bidders to have attended the online briefing session. Consequently, the tender process had to be restarted, delaying the project even further.
Legal and Regulatory Violations Add to the Chaos
One of the most troubling outcomes of the leadership change is the alleged violation of deed transfer conditions. The property designated for the TUT Giyani campus was meant strictly for educational purposes and was expected to align with local customs and community agreements. The project manager’s removal without a clear successor or transition plan has put these legal requirements at risk.
Local community members and stakeholders have since demanded transparency and reinstatement of the initial project manager. According to a source involved in the project, the manager had made significant progress before being abruptly removed:
“When he was on duty, the project was moving, and we were working toward something tangible. His removal has left us in limbo,” the source stated.
Silence from University Officials
Amid growing public pressure, the Tshwane University of Technology has remained largely silent. Questions sent to TUT spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikhawe went unanswered at the time of publication, deepening public frustration.
Historical Controversies: Is Giyani the Right Location?
This is not the first time TUT has faced backlash regarding its campus development strategies in Limpopo. In September 2024, controversy erupted when the Sekhukune Royal Kingdom alleged that a previously promised campus project had been hijacked and redirected to Giyani. According to Seripele Mampuru, a senior member of the royal council, the TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, was responsible for this redirection.
“We are well aware that Maluleke redirected the building of this campus. At some stage, he set up a meeting with us in Sekhukhune but never came. He’s been ignoring our calls,” said Mampuru.
These claims suggest a pattern of poor stakeholder engagement and lack of consultation, further eroding public trust in TUT’s leadership.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The local Giyani community, which had been optimistic about the development, is now voicing concern and disappointment. Without a clear timeline, renewed engagement strategy, or transparent communication, many fear the TUT Giyani campus may remain unfinished.
There are growing calls for:
- Reinstating the original project manager
- Reevaluating the tender process
- Improved stakeholder communication
- An independent investigation into the redirection of the Sekhukhune project
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Possible Solutions to Get the Project Back on Track
| Issue | Suggested Solution |
|---|---|
| Leadership instability | Reinstate experienced project managers with local support |
| Lack of transparency | Issue public progress reports and stakeholder briefings |
| Tender process complications | Conduct open and accessible tender briefings |
| Alleged diversion from Sekhukhune | Hold mediated talks between TUT, Sekhukhune, and Giyani representatives |
| Legal deed violations | Revisit and reaffirm commitment to original deed terms |
Why This Project Still Matters
The potential for the TUT Giyani campus to transform education in Limpopo cannot be overstated. For many students, especially those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, having access to quality higher education close to home is life-changing. This project could provide not only academic opportunities but also economic development, job creation, and social upliftment.
Conclusion
The delay in the TUT Giyani campus development reflects broader challenges in higher education infrastructure, project governance, and community relations. While the project’s original intent remains noble and necessary, mismanagement, poor communication, and lack of accountability have brought it to a grinding halt.
