Prof. Arthur G.O. Mutambara

50 Makerere academic staff have completed the Pedagogy and Professionalism training to boost competence-based education. The initiative, led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and the College of Education and External Studies, aims to equip educators with innovative teaching methods for a dynamic learning experience. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gcXpGnUu

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CPUT Showcases Student Support Integration at Achieving the Dream Conference, Philadelphia, USA – February 19, 2025. The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) proudly represented South Africa at the prestigious International Achieving the Dream (ATD) Conference in Philadelphia, USA, which was held between the 17th and 21st February, 2025. CPUT was one of three South African universities whose abstract was accepted and invited to present. The conference, which brought together over 50 delegates representing most universities in South Africa, including ten (10) Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs) through the Siyaphumelela Network 3.0, focused on strategies for improving student success in higher education. CPUT facilitated a Lightning Learning Session titled "Integrating Support for Student Success at CPUT." The session, presented by Dr Nosisana Mkonto (PhD) Mkonto, Dr Xena Cupido, and Prof Muhammad Nakhooda and supported by the DVC Learning and Teaching, Prof Rishidaw Balkaran, highlighted the institution’s approach to fostering student success through a cohesive framework that integrates academic and non-academic support services. This strategy aligns with national policies such as the White Paper on Post-School Education and Training (2013) and CPUT’s Vision 2030, ensuring equitable access to resources across all campuses, and a student learning experience designed around success. A key feature of CPUT’s presentation was the emphasis on data-driven decision-making to enhance student support. To enable an integrated approach, the university’s STARS (Student Transition, Access, Retention, and Success) Committee will play a pivotal role in monitoring student performance, identifying at-risk students, and implementing tailored interventions. By leveraging student success dashboards and institutional analytics, CPUT is able to make informed decisions that positively impact the student journey. The interactive session encouraged participants to reflect on the key factors contributing to student success, including student demographics and personal traits, community support, agency, and institutional policies. This reinforced CPUT’s belief that student success extends beyond academic performance to include personal growth, employability, and social contributions. The university’s participation at ATD 2025 underscores its dedication to advancing student success through integrated support and data-driven strategies. #CPUT #StudentSuccess

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I have the privilege of coordinating and lecturing a new first-year engineering module, Introduction to Sustainable Engineering, at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. With 1,158 students enrolled, this is likely the largest first-year engineering module at a contact university in South Africa—possibly even in Africa (unless proven otherwise!). The module is designed to go beyond traditional engineering education by focusing on three key aspects: 1️⃣ Supporting students in their transition to university – We integrate student support services such as Academic Success Coaches, incorporate peer mentoring, where second-year students guide and support first-years, and create an environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. 2️⃣ Industry exposure and inspiration – We invite guest lecturers from various engineering fields to share real-world insights, bridging the gap between theory and practice and inspiring students to see the bigger picture of their future careers. 3️⃣ Sustainability and the impact of engineering – We introduce students to sustainability principles and explore how engineering solutions shape society, the environment, and the economy, reinforcing the importance of ethical and responsible engineering. Managing a class of this size comes with both exciting challenges and rewarding moments, and I look forward to continuing to learn and innovate in how we support our future engineers. To fellow educators and industry professionals—how do you approach sustainability and student support in engineering education? I'd love to hear your thoughts! hashtag #EngineeringEducation hashtag #Sustainability hashtag #FutureEngineers hashtag #Mentorship hashtag #STEM hashtag #HigherEducation hashtag #SustainableDevelopment

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Hybrid Seminar: The Impact of AI on Geopolitics Wednesday 9 April 2025; 500pm UJ Seminar Abstract Artificial Intelligence is reshaping geopolitics by amplifying the technological prowess of nations, creating new arenas for competition, and redefining power dynamics on the global stage. Leading powers, such as the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, are heavily investing in AI to enhance their military capabilities, economic dominance, and diplomatic influence. AI-driven innovations - such as autonomous weapons, advanced surveillance systems, and predictive analytics - are enhancing national security but also escalating tensions, as countries compete to achieve supremacy in this rapidly evolving domain. Smaller nations, meanwhile, find themselves navigating a landscape where access to AI technology can either level the playing field or exacerbate existing disparities, depending on their ability to effectively harness it. This AI race is not just about capability but also about control over data, infrastructure, and standards, making AI a critical lever in shaping alliances and rivalries. Beyond hard power, AI is influencing geopolitics through soft power and economic leverage, as states wield it to control narratives, influence populations, and dominate global markets. The ability to process vast amounts of data enables governments to refine propaganda, monitor dissent, and influence public opinion both domestically and abroad, thereby amplifying their ideological reach. Economically, AI is driving shifts in trade and innovation, with countries that lead in AI development - such as those in semiconductor production or algorithm design - gaining significant advantages in the global supply chain. However, this also raises ethical and governance challenges, as the uneven distribution of AI benefits risks exacerbating inequalities between nations, fuelling instability, and prompting debates over regulation and sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world. As AI continues to evolve, its geopolitical impact will hinge on how nations balance cooperation with competition in this high-stakes frontier. EVENT CHAIR: Mr Koffi M. Kouakou Senior Research Fellow: Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS), University of Johannesburg SPEAKER: Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara Director and Full Professor: Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK), University of Johannesburg DISCUSSANTS: Professor Chakanetsa Mavhunga – Professor of Science, Technology and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States Professor David Monyae – Director: Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS), University of Johannesburg DATE: Wednesday 9 April 2025 TIME: 17:00 -19:00 South African Time FORMAT: Hybrid PHYSICAL VENUE: Ubuntu Chambers, 2nd Floor, Madibeng Building, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, UJ ONLINE via Zoom (Register Here): https://lnkd.in/dBmGV3Ca

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Africa contributes 2% to global research output and 0.1% to patents. We must increase investment in science, technology and innovation. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a trend - it is a transformative force that can drive the implementation of STISA-2034 and shape Africa’s future

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We are proud to share our latest publication establishing the world’s longest ultra-secure quantum satellite link (12,900 km) between South Africa and China. An excellent outcome of our collaboration with colleagues at the University of Science and Technology of China. Congratulations to the Stellenbosch University team led by Yaseera Ismail on this significant achievement, which reinforces South Africa’s position in global quantum research. Quantum technologies continue to transform how we communicate securely, and this milestone is a meaningful step for South Africa’s role in the global quantum ecosystem. You can read more about our work here: https://rdcu.be/eeju1 #QuantumCommunication #QuantumTechnology #Collaboration

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