Unisa made history at the Messe Frankfurt Techtextil 2026. The university is the only South African institution of higher learning participating in this global event taking place from 21 to 24 April in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Techtextil is one of the world’s premier international clothing, textiles, leather and footwear (CTLF) trade fairs curated by Messe Frankfurt. It brings together cutting‑edge science, technology and innovation across textiles, advanced manufacturing, engineering and sustainability, creating a global platform that aligns strongly with Unisa’s research, teaching and innovation priorities.

The university’s delegation, led by Principal and Vice‑Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, comprised members of extended management, academics and researchers from the Colleges of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and Science, Engineering and Technology, as well as postgraduate students specialising in clothing and textiles and industrial engineering.

From left: Prof Amit Ray, Vice-President of Internationalisation, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences; Prof Moloko Sepota, Unisa Registrar; Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor; Prof Stephan Wagner, Vice-President of Research and Transfer, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences; and Prof Solomon Magano, Unisa Vice-Principal of Institutional Development

The first day’s early engagements included high‑level discussions with Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, represented by Prof Amit Ray, Vice‑President of Internationalisation, and Prof Stephan Wagner, Vice‑President of Research and Transfer. The delegation also met with Silvia Jungbauer, Chief Executive Officer of the Confederation of the German Knitting Industry, one of the most influential bodies in global textile manufacturing, and Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa. These engagements laid the foundation for joint research initiatives, curriculum relevance and academic exchange.

Unisa’s exhibition stand at the Techtextil

Unisa also hosted an exhibition showcasing the institution’s postgraduate academic offerings across all colleges, and demonstrable textile capabilities. The exhibition stand attracted significant international interest. Among the highlights was the innovative work of master’s student Archibald Monyepao, supervised by Dr Sipho Mbatha, Senior Lecturer and Gauteng CTLF Action Lab co‑chairperson. Prospective students, industry leaders and funders visited the stand, including prospective engineering students who expressed a keen interest in studying at Unisa. In a striking affirmation of academic quality, visitors noted that Airbus recruits industrial engineering students exclusively from Unisa in South Africa.

The delegation also engaged with prospective funders who were particularly impressed by a jacket prototype demonstrated by Unisa. The innovation was received with such enthusiasm that visitors recommended that it be entered in an international competition, underscoring the global competitiveness of Unisa’s research outputs.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, LenkaBula said: "Our presence at the Techtextil affirms Unisa’s position as a globally connected African university that shapes knowledge, advances innovation and responds to societal and industrial needs. This partnership with Messe Frankfurt is not simply symbolic; it creates pathways for our students, academics and researchers to access global platforms while ensuring that African knowledge and innovation contribute meaningfully to the world."

Unisa’s presence at the Techtextil 2026 marks more than a milestone. It signals a decisive step toward a future in which African institutions actively shape global industries. As these collaborations evolve, Unisa is poised to play an even greater role in advancing sustainable innovation and strengthening the global competitiveness of the CTLF sector, firmly positioning Africa as both a contributor to and a leader in the future of textiles technology.

* By Nolwazi Mwabi, Director: Communication, Marketing and Events