Government delegation visits proposed Ekurhuleni University sites in Boksburg and Kempton Park
The government visits proposed Ekurhuleni University sites as the South African government moves closer to establishing the long-awaited Ekurhuleni University of Applied Science and Innovation. Senior government leaders recently visited proposed sites in Boksburg and Kempton Park as part of ongoing assessments into the feasibility of constructing a new public university that will expand access to higher education and support economic development in Gauteng.
The site inspections form part of the government’s broader strategy to increase opportunities for tertiary education while addressing growing demand for skills development in one of South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipalities.
Government delegation inspects proposed university locations
A high-level government delegation led by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza visited several proposed locations on 22 July 2026.
The delegation began its program at the Boksburg Civic Centre before travelling to two key locations identified for the future Ekurhuleni University.
Officials first conducted a drive-by inspection of land in Boksburg before visiting the Denel Academy in Kempton Park, which is being considered as a possible interim teaching and learning facility while construction of the permanent campus is planned.
The inspections represent another milestone in the government’s commitment to establishing a university dedicated to applied sciences, innovation, technology, and industry-focused education.
Ekurhuleni University project moves forward
The government’s proposal to establish the Ekurhuleni University has been under discussion for several years.
President Cyril Ramaphosa first announced plans for the institution during the 2020 State of the Nation Address, describing it as part of the government’s strategy to expand South Africa’s higher education sector.
The proposed institution has since been named the Ekurhuleni University of Applied Science and Innovation, reflecting its intended focus on producing graduates equipped with practical and industry-relevant skills.
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, the university will help address the increasing demand for science, engineering, technology, and innovation-related qualifications while supporting South Africa’s industrial development agenda.
Buti Manamela outlines government’s priorities
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has consistently maintained that the government’s immediate priority is registering the university and admitting its first students, even before the permanent campus is completed.
Speaking previously in the National Assembly, Manamela confirmed that construction of the permanent campus is realistically expected to begin in 2029.
However, the department is exploring temporary facilities that could accommodate students before full construction begins.
This approach could allow the institution to begin academic programs sooner while permanent infrastructure is developed.
The minister believes this phased implementation strategy will accelerate access to higher education without waiting several years for construction to conclude.
Enoch Godongwana joins university planning process
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s participation in the site visit highlights the financial significance of the project.
Building a new university requires extensive planning, budgeting, and long-term infrastructure investment.
Government officials are evaluating land suitability, transport access, municipal services, environmental considerations, and future expansion opportunities before final decisions are made.
Godongwana’s involvement also signals the National Treasury’s interest in ensuring the project aligns with the government’s broader infrastructure investment program.
The planned university is expected to require significant public funding over multiple financial years.
Boksburg and Kempton Park university sites assessed
The proposed Boksburg and Kempton Park university sites each serve different potential purposes within the broader development plan.
Boksburg site
The primary proposed campus is located on an open tract of land bordered by:
- Trichardts Road
- Railway Street
- Champion Road
The property is situated near the former Cinderella Prison and close to the Blue Sky informal settlement.
Officials conducted a drive-by inspection of the site to assess its suitability for long-term university development.
The location offers significant space for future expansion and the construction of lecture halls, laboratories, student residences, and research facilities.
Kempton Park facility
The delegation also visited the Denel Academy in Kempton Park.
Unlike the Boksburg location, this facility is being considered as a possible interim campus where teaching and learning could begin before the permanent university is completed.
Using existing educational infrastructure could enable the government to launch academic programs earlier while construction continues elsewhere.
Benefits of the proposed Ekurhuleni University
According to the City of Ekurhuleni, establishing the university could deliver significant social and economic benefits.
These include:
Expanding higher education access
Thousands of students living in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas could gain improved access to university education closer to home.
Supporting skills development
The institution aims to produce graduates in fields aligned with South Africa’s industrial and technological needs.
Driving economic growth
Universities often stimulate local economies through infrastructure development, employment opportunities, research partnerships, and student spending.
Creating employment
Construction alone is expected to generate numerous jobs, while the completed institution will require academic, administrative, and support staff.
Why Ekurhuleni needs another university
Ekurhuleni is South Africa’s manufacturing hub and one of the country’s largest metropolitan municipalities.
Despite its industrial importance, many residents still travel considerable distances to attend universities in Johannesburg, Pretoria, or elsewhere in Gauteng.
The government believes a dedicated university in Ekurhuleni will:
- Reduce pressure on existing universities.
- Improve access to specialized programs.
- Support local industries through research.
- Produce graduates with technical and practical skills.
- Strengthen innovation within Gauteng’s economy.
The university’s focus on applied science and innovation is intended to align academic programs with labor market demands.
Media restricted during site inspections
Although journalists were initially invited to cover the visits, members of the media were later asked to leave shortly after proceedings began.
A government communications official indicated that the media had not been expected to attend the internal briefing and advised that an official statement would be released later.
Despite the restricted access, the site inspections confirmed that planning work continues behind the scenes as government advances preparations for the institution.
Timeline for the new university
Current government planning indicates the following timeline:
- 2020: President Cyril Ramaphosa announces plans for a University of Ekurhuleni.
- 2026: Government delegation inspects proposed sites.
- Before 2029: Registration of the institution and possible enrollment of the first students using temporary facilities.
- 2029: Expected commencement of permanent campus construction.
- Future years: Expansion into a fully operational university campus.
Officials have emphasized that these timelines remain subject to funding approvals, planning processes, and infrastructure development.
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Government committed to expanding higher education
The government delegation described the proposed institution as an important investment in South Africa’s future.
Officials say expanding public universities remains essential to increasing educational opportunities, supporting economic development and producing graduates capable of driving innovation.
The planned Ekurhuleni University is expected to become one of South Africa’s newest public higher education institutions once construction and registration processes are completed.
For now, the inspections of the Boksburg and Kempton Park university sites represent another significant step towards transforming years of planning into reality.
As government departments continue technical assessments and planning, further announcements are expected regarding funding, infrastructure development, and the timeline for admitting the university’s first students.
The project remains one of Gauteng’s most significant higher education initiatives and is expected to play a key role in expanding university access while strengthening skills development for future generations.
References
- Government of South Africa—Minister Buti Manamela sets bold targets for the University of Ekurhuleni
https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/minister-buti-manamela-sets-bold-targets-university-ekurhuleni-11-mar-2026 - The Citizen (Springs Advertiser)—Government delegation visits proposed Ekurhuleni university sites in Boksburg and Kempton Park
https://www.citizen.co.za/springs-advertiser/news-headlines/local-news/2026/07/27/government-delegation-visits-proposed-ekurhuleni-university-sites-in-boksburg-and-kempton-park/ - Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) – Official website
https://www.dhet.gov.za/ - Government of South Africa – State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2020
https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-2020-state-nation-address-13-feb-2020
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