​Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Wednesday visited the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)'s research and innovation centres, technology stations to explore partnerships.
Makhura's visit forms part of the Gauteng Provincial Government's plan to partner with institutions of higher learning and the private sector in opening up the economy and creating jobs.
This is in line with the provincial government's efforts to accelerate and support Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and 4th Industrial Revolution initiatives to transform Gauteng into a globally competitive city region.
Makhura, who was accompanied by Vice-Chancellor Tinyiko Maluleke first visited the Centre for Tissue Engineering at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The center is a multi-tissue bank, which provides bone tissue, skin, cornea, ligaments, and heart valves for transplant. The centre manager Rhyleen Chauke explained the process of packaging and labelling human tissue. 
The next stop was at the Centre for Advanced Tooling at TUT's Soshanguve campus, which offers skills programmes for students to participate in work-integrated learning. The facility also provides assistance to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
Makhura witnessed first-hand the manufacturing of plastic parts for the automotive sector.
"We saw some of the exciting things. We started at the centre for tissue engineering. They are going to do work with our Department of Health because that work is very relevant to our healthcare system," he said.
He expressed excitement about the partnership with the institution, saying he plans to visit all Gauteng based national universities.
 "This is the second university we are engaging this year. We have done the same with the University of Johannesburg.
"Why do we need great universities? Universities are called upon to be part of the major transitions which threaten to end human existence. The fourth industrial revolution has potential and risk that can affect our society," he added.
He also hailed the work done at the university saying it will contribute to support emerging small businesses, black industrialists and businesses owned by women and youth."
"TUT is one of the best universities in the country. It is a hidden intellectual germ at the greatest disservice to our country. The story of TUT has to be told. It shouldn't be the case that this institution is hidden. "As GPG, you have inspired us to work closely with universities," he said, adding that it has a huge responsibility in the development of the country and the continent. 
Maluleke said the visit has laid a strong foundation for partnership with government.