TUT Surges to Lead SA Universities of Technology in Creative Research

TUT has shown impressive growth in creative research outputs, solidifying its position as South Africa’s top-performing University of Technology in the DHET 2024 evaluation cycle.

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has achieved the 6^th position nationally among the 26 publicly funded universities in the 2024 DHET Creative Research Outputs and Innovation Report, trailing only leading institutions such as the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, the University of Johannesburg, and Rhodes University.

This strong upward trajectory further positions TUT firmly in first place among all South African UoTs for creative research performance.

Creative research outputs include artistic and design-based scholarly works - such as fine arts exhibitions, innovative design projects, performances, and other creative productions - that are rigorously peer-reviewed and evaluated under the DHET framework for subsidy purposes.

TUT has demonstrated consistent and sustained progress in this domain, surging from position 9 in 2020 among the 26 publicly funded universities to position 6 in 2024 nationally. This remarkable four-year growth highlights the university's deliberate strategic emphasis on advancing creative scholarship, especially through its Faculty of Arts and Design and associated research niche areas.

Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement at TUT, highlighted the broader implications of this success.

"This upward trend in our creative research outputs is a testament to the dedication of our academics, artists, and designers who continue to push boundaries in innovative and culturally relevant scholarship," said Dr Papu-Zamxaka. "By securing first position among Universities of Technology and ranking 6th nationally, TUT is not only meeting but exceeding expectations in contributing to South Africa's creative economy and knowledge production. We remain committed to fostering an environment where creative research thrives and delivers meaningful impact."

Moreover, these results complement TUT's wider research advancements, as detailed in its 2024 Research and Innovation Annual Report. The report notes the submission of 34 creative outputs - exceeding internal targets - as well as robust performance in innovation indicators, including 17 design registrations and 12 patent filings.

Ultimately, this milestone reaffirms TUT's leadership in applied and creative disciplines among South African UoTs. By aligning with national priorities in innovation, cultural development, and the creative industries, the university continues to advance through targeted investments in research support, international partnerships, and interdisciplinary projects.