Engineering Growth: ECST Educators Coffee Connect Strengthens STEM Education

The Engineering College of Science and Technology (ECST) hosted its Educators Coffee Connect event, bringing together educators and industry professionals to discuss the future of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and career pathways.

The event took place on Thursday, 6^th August 2026, at 8:30AM-11:00AM SAST at the ECST Midrand Campus in South Africa. It brought educators from local high schools and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector were represented at this event across Gauteng. The event gave them an opportunity to connect with the ECST team, learn more about its accredited engineering programmes, and discuss the changing needs of the engineering sector. 

A Showcase of Opportunities

ECST Director Designate Emma Hart opened the event by reflecting on the college’s journey and growth. This was followed by ECST Head of College Liza Rootman, who welcomed attendees and introduced ECST and its role in engineering education. Academic Head Eldridge Mapfumo then highlighted the engineering programmes and opportunities available to aspiring students. The programme then turned to the broader relationship between education and industry, with distinguished South African business leader Kuseni Dlamini delivering the guest speaker address.

Strengthening an Engineering Path

As the former CEO of Old Mutual South Africa and Emerging Markets, as well as the Director of Anglo-American Platinum, Dlamini drew on his extensive executive experience on financial services, mining, and retail sectors to share perspectives on the future of engineering education and the importance of developing industry-ready graduates. He highlighted the growing importance of AI in urging educators to equip students with the skills needed to fully participate in the global AI revolution. Dlamini stressed that Africa must not simply be a consumer of AI, but also a developer of it. Dlamini further emphasized that engineering professionals should take advantage of the many opportunities presented by AI. 

For ECST Head of College Liza Rootman, this broader vision of the future also underscores the important role educators play in shaping the people who will drive it. “It’s important to remember that before there is an engineer, entrepreneur, scientist or business leader, there is a teacher who influences, challenges and inspires learners to reach their potential.”  The event conversations around the future of engineering also extend to how young people understand the profession and the possibilities it offers. “Many learners think that engineering is only mathematics and science. We should let them know it is also about improving lives through practical approaches and building the future through innovation.”   

Rootman further emphasised the importance of collaboration in creating stronger STEM pathways, noting that, “By working together, educators, industry and professional bodies can help young people see what a career in engineering can offer and inspire them to become part of the people who will solve tomorrow’s challenges.” 

Preparing for Africa’s Future

Africa’s pressing infrastructure challenges across energy, water, transport and other essential sectors highlight the need for skilled engineering professionals who can address complex real-world problems. For ECST graduates, these challenges present opportunities to apply their knowledge and contribute to building more resilient infrastructure. 

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) also contributed to the discussion, with Dr Teresa Hattingh and Ms Nivashnee Naidoo leading the Q&A session. Attendees engaged with ECSA on engineering programme accreditation, professional standards, and pathways within the profession. The Educators Coffee Connect concluded with informal networking over refreshments, bringing the event to a close.