In October 2019, the Tshwane University of Technology launched a new qualification, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Materials Engineering in Polymer Technology.
The aim of this new qualification was to addresses the critical shortage of qualified plastics technicians and engineers facing South Africa, as the global competition and technical skills gaps in the industry increase.
In July this year, the Academic Advisory Committee of TUT’s Polymer Technology Section – consisting of industry members and academia* – registered the Bokamoso Polymer Fund. The aim of this fund is to offer incentives to students enrolled in the programme for excellent academic performance, in the form of financial contributions which will be made towards their TUT academic tuition fees (paid directly into their TUT account). A portion of the money raised for this fund will also be used to help pay for the purchasing of new equipment, as well as for the general upkeep and maintenance of existing equipment currently being used by the students within the Polymer Technology Department. The administration of these funds will be strictly controlled by the Department’s Academic Advisory Committee.
Members of the SA Plastics Industry are invited to adopt and own this fund, in order to ensure that we leave a legacy that continues to enrich the lives of young people in our country. At the same time, we will be improving the skills pool and  strengthening the plastics industry with young, vibrant and talented successors who will build on the legacy of their predecessors.
Members of the Academic Advisory Committee are:
Mr Gert Claasen (Safripol) – Chairperson
Ms Elaine Relling (TUT) –Â Vice chairperson
Ms Kirtida Bhana (Plastics|SA)
Prof C Khoathane (TUT) – Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning; Polymer Technology Division
Dr V Khumalo (PISA representative)
Dr N Luruli (Sasol)
Mr P Makhubela (Sasol)
Dr V Ojijo (CSIR)
Dr W Mhike (TUT) Researcher and lecturer in Polymer Technology Division
Prof ER Sadiku (TUT) Researcher and lecturer in Polymer Technology Division
Mr K Sekwele (TUT)Polymer Technology student representative
Ms M Thulo (Denel Aeronautic)
Dr H Van der Watt (TUT) Curriculum Development Practitioner
- For further information or to make financial contributions, kindly contact:
Ms Elaine Relling (TUT) Acting Section Head: Materials Engineering
Email :Â erelling@tut.ac.za
Telephone: 012 382 3609 - For more information about the qualification and its structure, visit https://www.plasticsinfo.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bachelor-of-Engineering-Technology-in-Polymer-Technology-e_poster.pdf
