Technological Higher Education Network South Africa

Technological Higher Education Network South Africa The Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA), formally SATN. In addition, projects are run by Task Teams drawn from member institutions.

The South African Technology Network (SATN) was established in 2006 by five South African Universities of Technology (UoTs), which resulted in the registration of the SATN trust in August 2008. The change of name in 2019 from SATN to THENSA (Technological Higher Education Network South Africa) was an outcome of the change in its membership to include all technology focussed institutions, the teach

ing, learning, research, and innovation agendas that it set itself. THENSA exists to enable its partner institutions to respond to the challenges and targets set in the NDP, the UN SDGs, and the Africa 2063 Agenda, through Technological Education, Research, and Innovation. THENSA’s guiding principles include connecting minds, establishing networks for collaboration between smart institutions focussed on Technology Research and Innovation with its key focus being the promotion and advancement of Science, Engineering, Arts and Technology Programmes for the world of work. THENSA is the catalyst that capitalises on the collective voice, strengths and opportunities of its members for the benefit of its students, staff, researchers, innovators, and its business and industry partners. How THENSA works:
Representatives of each of the member institution(s) and THENSA is governed by a Board of Directors which consisted of representatives of each of the member institutions and the CEO (ex-officio member). The operations of THENSA are managed by the CEO and Office Manager with support from administrative and academic staff. Our vision and mission:

- Leadership, advocacy and best practice amongst our members and stakeholders

- Quality education to support globally competitive, future-ready graduates and entrepreneurs

- Impactful research and innovation towards sustainable societies and the expansion of the national and global innovation ecosystem.

DAY 1: INAUGURAL COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE COLLOQUIUM “In terms of economic growth, the landscape has changed significantly....
04/06/2026

DAY 1: INAUGURAL COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE COLLOQUIUM
“In terms of economic growth, the landscape has changed significantly. Startups are now major drivers of capital development, whereas in the past, this role was largely played by big corporations”, said Dr Phumuza Langa; Project Manager: Technology Transfer Projects during his welcoming keynotes. “In recent years, startups have also become key contributors to job creation, often employing more people than large corporates while driving economic development and creating new industries.”

This two-day colloquium aims to bring together key stakeholders from across the innovation ecosystem to share insights, foster collaboration, and advance technology transfer practices that drive research commercialisation and socio-economic impact. The event is hosted by THENSA in partnership with the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) and is funded by the Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA (DSTI).

“When it comes to technology transfer, it is important to understand how researchers can be engaged and how their research can be translated into meaningful impact. A Technology Transfer Official plays a critical role throughout the entire value chain, ensuring that research outputs are transformed into opportunities for commercialisation, whether through licensing agreements or the creation of new ventures. Their role is to help maximise the impact and value of research by facilitating its journey from discovery to application”, added Dr Langa.

The conversation in higher education is shifting.The question is no longer whether universities should produce research,...
04/06/2026

The conversation in higher education is shifting.
The question is no longer whether universities should produce research, but how that research translates into real-world impact. Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) https://pulse.ly/opn8bdhjaw are enabling this shift across THENSA institutions, ensuring that ideas move beyond theory into application.
As THENSA marks 20 years, the focus is clear: From knowledge creation to measurable impact.

COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE COLLOQUIUM – WELCOME DINNER: This evening’s welcome dinner marks the opening of our Inaugural Comm...
03/06/2026

COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE COLLOQUIUM – WELCOME DINNER: This evening’s welcome dinner marks the opening of our Inaugural Community of Practice (CoP) Colloquium. It is an opportunity for colleagues, partners, and guests to connect in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. The gathering sets the tone for the days ahead, fostering dialogue, strengthening networks, and celebrating the collective commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in the Technology Transfer space.

The dinner provides a warm, hospitable environment where participants can engage informally, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will enrich the colloquium experience. It is both a celebration of community and a foundation for meaningful conversations that will continue throughout the programme.

A special thanks to the organising team Dr Phumuza Langa , Varonique De La Rey, Sphesihle Thusini for putting this together.

While universities continue to generate groundbreaking research, the real challenge lies in ensuring that these ideas re...
03/06/2026

While universities continue to generate groundbreaking research, the real challenge lies in ensuring that these ideas reach the market, and THENSA is addressing this by strengthening Technology Transfer Offices https://pulse.ly/4dkqkegids that actively connect research with industry, investors, and commercial opportunities to drive meaningful impact.

Kudos 👏 👏 to The for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for h...
03/06/2026

Kudos 👏 👏 to The for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for hosting a two-day personal development workshop for 80 entrepreneurs. The workshop aimed to equip participants with confidence, personal development skills, and business knowledge to help them overcome challenges, improve decision-making, and strengthen their enterprises for future success. Read more: https://lnkd.in/daUPg-bD

Innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Durban Campus

03/06/2026

THENSA TURNS 20 YEARS: As THENSA celebrates 20 years of impact and collaboration, external stakeholder and friend of the consortium, Mamosa Makaya, Public Engagement Specialist at the US Embassy South Africa in Pretoria, shares her congratulations and reflections on this milestone occasion.

THENSA recently hosted its second six-day, face-to-face Entrepreneurship Workshop of 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in...
02/06/2026

THENSA recently hosted its second six-day, face-to-face Entrepreneurship Workshop of 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Woodstock, Cape Town, from 17–22 May 2026. The workshop aimed to introduce 30 participants to an intensive programme designed to combine foundational entrepreneurial theory with practical application. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d4QwTW3K

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THENSA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS: "For me, THENSA’s journey is a powerful affirmation of a vision realised through strengthene...
01/06/2026

THENSA CELEBRATES 20 YEARS: "For me, THENSA’s journey is a powerful affirmation of a vision realised through strengthened collaboration. From its inception to the present day, the organisation has remained fiercely committed to serving its members, students, and communities. Founded to bridge national skills shortages, enhance applied research, and foster robust innovation ecosystems, THENSA has successfully enabled collective action that respects institutional autonomy while amplifying sector-wide impact," said Kogie Moodley-Pretorius, Project Manager at THENSA. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d3sTwzN4

INNOVATION: Teamwork and creativity took centre stage as the GreyCode Hackathon transformed the Tshwane University of Te...
29/05/2026

INNOVATION: Teamwork and creativity took centre stage as the GreyCode Hackathon transformed the Tshwane University of Technology TUT Soshanguve South Campus into a vibrant hub of problem-solving and technological discovery. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d_j5yx5j

AI is changing the nature of learning and assessment in higher education. To remain relevant, curricula must evolve alon...
28/05/2026

AI is changing the nature of learning and assessment in higher education. To remain relevant, curricula must evolve alongside these technologies. Ethical AI use, critical thinking, and real-world application are now essential components of curriculum reform.

THENSA supports institutions in rethinking curricula https://pulse.ly/y6n833mlx4 to reflect these realities. Responsible governance ensures AI strengthens learning outcomes rather than diminishing academic depth or independence. 🎓💡

Address

Alma Du Toit House, 210 Steve Biko Road (THENSA Office)
Sunnyside
0002

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

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