Alumni Magazine - Vaal University of Technology magazine 2.pdf · Alumni help with “Assist a graduate to work" project The “Assist a graduate to work project, started in 2012

MagazineBack to your roots

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Magazine

www.vut.ac.za

Alumni

VUT honours People’s Champions

Building a bigger, better VUT for the future

Call to alumni: ‘Make a lifetime

investment’’

VUT


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CONTENTS

Message from Prof MoutlanaVUT is a University that is going from strength to strength.

It has overcome many challenges and it is proud of the path

it is forging. This publication seeks to illustrate some of the

many achievements and highlights of the past two years and

to introduce and describe some of the many changes that

have, and are continuing, to take place.

It also aims to cement the professional networks among

graduates and the University and to grow these to include

graduates not yet connected with their alma mater. We also

aim to mobilise resources for further development, such as

uplifting academic standards and the professional standing

of VUT, both locally and internationally.

Transformation and development

VUT has transformed from a predominantly white institution

to one that has opened its doors to previously marginalised

communities in support of the national higher education

Message from Vice-Chancellor & Principal ................

A message from the Alumni President .......................

Getting connected with your VUT family .....................

Launch of VUT Alumni Chapters..................................

Alumni Profiles:

• From a cleaner to Faculty Administrative Officer..

• Call to alumni: ‘Make a lifetime investment’ .........

• Electrical Engineer says VUT qualification ‘opened

• all the right doors’ ...................................................

• VUT provided the bedrock for municipal manager’s

achievements ...........................................................

VUT honours People’s Champions ...............................

Building a bigger, better VUT for the future ................

Faculty Highlights:

PALAMA Executive Development Programme:VUT helps capacitate government ...............................

ALUMNI COORDINATORPeter Masombuka

EDITORKathy Wandington

SUB EDITORKediemetse Mokotsi

COMMUNICATIONS PRACTITIONERAnne Naidu

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERKhanyisa Peter

MULTIMEDIA OFFICERSMandla MtombeniCelumusa Mtshali

GRAPHIC DESIGNERSDavid Moimane

Magazine

and training agenda, which promotes access, equity and

success.

Through addressing access and equity, the institution

has seen its student population increase from fewer

than 7000 students in the early 1980s to 22 000 in 2013.

To accommodate this phenomenal growth, we have

embarked on an aggressive infrastructure development

programme, costing close to R350 million, to create

a conducive, affirming and scholarly environment

for teaching and learning, technology transfer and

innovation, research and community engagement.

The University has campuses in Secunda, Ekurhuleni,

Upington, Sebokeng and Vanderbijlpark, providing

excellent programmes in Engineering, Applied and

Computer Sciences, Human Sciences and Management

Sciences.

Plans are under way to move the Ekurhuleni campus

to Daveyton, to meet increasing demands for a contact

university there. The Daveyton campus, previously Vista

University, was subsequently given to Unisa and there

are occupational plans in place for collaboration and

joint use of the Daveyton campus by VUT and Unisa. A

task team from both universities has been established

to finalise this.

Alumni Relations: crossing borders

The role of the Alumni Relations office in any institution

exists to manage the relationship between an institution

and former students who have acquired a qualification.

VUT is committed to enhancing its relationship with its

former students through formal and informal, mutually

beneficial programmes. Our Alumni Relations office is

committed to reconnecting all former students of the

institution, whether when it was known as the College

for Technical Advancement, Vaal Triangle Technikon or

Vaal University of Technology.

In 2012 VUT extended its family links across regional

and national borders, with Alumni Association chapters

being established in North West and in Lesotho.

Chapter launches planned for 2014 include Gauteng,


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A message from the Alumni President

The establishment of the Vaal University of Technology Alumni Association was a significant development in the

transformation of the University; one that will help the institution and its graduates retain a lifetime, mutually

beneficial relationship.

The year 2013 marks the 47th anniversary of the Vaal University of Technology since its establishment in 1966 as the

Vaal Triangle College for Advance Technical Education. It later became the Vaal Triangle Technikon (1979-2003) and, in

2004, became the Vaal University of Technology.

We deserve to celebrate how we began and the progress we’ve made in ensuring our University’s transformation, and

who we will become as we transform further. We need to acknowledge the inspirational builders whose shoulders we

rest upon, and the direction we are forging under the leadership of our University community: the University Council,

Executive Management and all levels of management, staff, its formations (unions), students, and those formations.

Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Botswana. In addition, a

chapter specifically for graduates of Vaal Technikon is also

planned.

We hope to encourage alumni from all corners of the globe

to support networking and social forums through the

formation of VUT Alumni Chapters, focusing on academic,

sport, cultural, spiritual and social groups.

As alumni, you have the opportunity to “give back” to

society, via your alma mater, by making contributions

through cash donations and equipment, student bursaries

and assistance for graduate students, and by adopting

laboratories and institutional projects. I look forward to a

great partnership with all of you.

Professor Irene Moutlana


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It is time, in this 47th anniversary year of our University,

for us as alumni to make a commitment to guarantee

its perpetuation for future generations. We are asking

for your time, your philanthropy and your service as

we embark on a mission of making the Vaal University

Alumni Association an enabler for the Vaal University of

Technology to be a University that leads in innovative

knowledge and quality technology.

It has been a result of choices made and roles played by

alumni that VUT looks forward to celebrating a golden

anniversary in three years – an achievement indeed.

The Alumni Association recognises that a better student

experience promotes better alumni relations after our

graduates have joined the corporate world. It is all the

better to have the VUT family include alumni who, through

experience, can share their stories and become mentors

and guides for generations to come.

VUT has highly successful alumni who are recognised

nationwide in their fields. Many of you are leaders in

practice, research and community service, in disciplines

ranging from engineers through technologists, scientists

and financial and accounting specialists.

We encourage you to stay connected with your alma

mater, to share your experience and skills as mentors,

and consider the benefits of being a part, through

philanthropy, of ensuring your University continues on its

stellar trajectory.

Mr Sasabona Manganye

Getting connectedwith your VUT familyAlumni are invited to contribute to discussions on VUT’s development and its endeavours to continue making a

sustainable impact in both its immediate community and broader society. You are also invited to share your success

stories and your challenges or to just drop us a line to let us and your former classmates know where you are and

what you’re doing.

Networking and Social Media

Since inception in 2011, we have attracted individuals and groups to our social media, networks that are invaluable to

the Alumni Association and the University.

To network, foster and extend relationships built over the years with students and graduates, we can engage with

alumni through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Our Alumni Chapters, both at local and international level, engage

with their alma mater and each other through these gateways.

An advantage of using social media is that our followers link us with former classmates and alumni, helping to boost

our database. Alumni organise and coordinate networking sessions, events and other useful networking initiatives,

with little monitoring from our side.

Contact the Alumni Relations office

Contact Person: Peter Masombuka / Comfort Madalane

Email us at: [email protected] / [email protected]

Telephone: +27(0) 16 950 9973 / +27(0) 16 950 9779

Write to us at:

Alumni relations A001 P/Bag X021 Vanderbijlpark 1900

Keep connected with us

On our website: http://www.vut.ac.za/index.php/service/support/alumni

On Face book: https://www.facebook.com/groups/235948465491/

On LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/vaal-university-of-technology?trk=hb_tab_compy_id_45578

Paying it forward

If you would like to contribute to VUT through bursaries, donations, sponsorships or bequests, please contact:

Peter Masombuka / Comfort Madalane


Kediemetse MokotsiManager

Corporate Affairs

Peter MasombukaAlumni Coordinator

Corporate Affairs

Comfort MadalaneAlumni Assistant Corporate Affairs


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The Alumni Office and Student Christian Organisation

(SCO) Alumni celebrated the SCO’s anniversary in 2012

with a novel initiative that promoted a culture of giving

among students, in the hope that, as working alumni,

they would continue to support their alma mater in its

community responsibilities.

Ensuring best practice in VUT’s Alumni Office

The Alumni Coordinator attends numerous conferences to keep abreast of best practices. In the past two years these

have included:

o the use of ITS in managing the alumni database

o software development and enhancement

o use of social media in connecting with alumni.

He also attended numerous consortium meetings for alumni officials from around the country to discuss challenges

and share best practices in nurturing young alumni, assisting in the student-to-alumni transition, and understanding

alumni needs and challenges.

Alumni help with “Assist a graduate to work" project

The “Assist a graduate to work project, started in 2012 by Alumni Relations, is a job portal that exposes new graduates

to employment, learnerships, internships and bursary opportunities in the corporate world. This project provides

individuals with a full and realistic view of workplace culture and expectations, and integrates academic preparation

with professional challenges and platforms. Through engaging with VUT alumni who are on the VUT database, we

share these opportunities with graduates by uploading adverts provided by our alumni. This has increased alumni

participation in helping the University produce employable graduates who can make an impact in society.

You, too, can share your knowledge of work, or work opportunities:

Contact details: Peter Masombuka / Comfort Madalane


Telephone: +27(0) 16 950 9973 / +27(0) 16 950 9779

Nurturing a culture of giving: celebrating through ‘paying it forward’

In a joint community development event, held on 25

August 2012, donations and sponsorships for the

Emfuleni Boys’ Shelter in Vanderbijlpark were secured.

Thanks to the following companies, which provided

donations and sponsorships, the day was a great success:

Sedgars, Nhlapo Butchery and Diamond Corner.

Get involved now and help VUT help its communities!


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Launch of VUT Alumni Chapters

International Alumni: Lesotho Chapter

VUT launched its first international Alumni Chapter for

Lesotho-based graduates on 12 May 2012 at the National

Convention Centre (Manthabiseng) in Lesotho.

To cultivate a culture of giving back to the community,

the Lesotho Alumni Chapter combined the event with

its ‘Dress a child for school’ campaign. Supported by VUT

staff members, individuals and businesses in South Africa,

the Chapter was able to donate some 430 school uniform

items to Phomolong Secondary and Mokhethoaneng

Primary schools.

The South African High Commissioner, Mrs Lineo Motsepe,

and the principals of the schools, Mr Ratipodi Letsoela

(Phomolong Secondary School) and Ms Lineo Moeno

(Mokhethoaneng Primary School) attended.Professor

Gordon Zide, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Governance &

Operations, spoke on the importance of a university’s

alumni in aiding recognition and visibility of universities

globally. He encouraged attendees to keep raising the

VUT flag high.

Mrs Rethabile Melao, of the Lesotho Alumni Chapter,

welcomed Lesotho as the first international chapter for

VUT. She said she was able to contribute to her country

through bringing skills gained at VUT that are needed by

her people. Other alumni interviewed said they took pride

in VUT as it offers skills and programmes sought after in

their countries.

Professor Alwyn Louw, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic

& Research, noted that the role of universities in Africa

includes, but is not limited to, addressing regional needs

in providing educational and research facilities, social

responsibility and economic empowerment for the

continent. Events like this highlight the commitment of

VUT to the communities it serves. “That we have alumni

in Lesotho, most of whom are employed in the public and

private sectors, portrays the contribution that VUT has

made to the development of this country, he said.

North West Alumni Chapter

The North West VUT Alumni Chapter was launched on

1 September 2012 at Ga Mothaga Lodge, Klerksdorp. It

consists of alumni who graduated from the NW campus

of the Vaal University of Technology before its closure

during 2007-8. The launch also attracted students and

graduates living in that province who studied at the

Vanderbijlpark Campus.

After the launch a donation of school shoes was made to a

shelter, the result of a partnership with the Department of

Social Development and a VUT alumnus. Mr Molefi Hlasa,

now working for the Department of Social Development,

said household visits to Jouberton conducted by his office

identified social challenges within the community. These

included children being unable to attend school due to a

lack of school uniforms. The initiative was proposed as

part of VUT Alumni’s social responsibility programme

and its objective of making a meaningful impact in

neighbouring communities.

The President of the Alumni Association, Mr Sasabona

Manganye, extended a welcome on behalf of the VUT

Alumni Association. Ms Kediemetse Mokotsi, Manager:

Corporate Affairs, assisted by Mr Lekopane Mokonopi,

Public Relations Officer, officially launched the chapter on

behalf of the Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Professor Irene

Moutlana and Alumni Coordinator Mr Peter Masombuka.


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Alumni Profiles

VUT is proud of its alumni. Many VUT diplomates and

graduates battle considerable odds to achieve their

qualifications. In this issue, we celebrate some of our

achievers who have, with determination and hard work,

enriched both their own and others’ lives through their

tertiary studies.


Cleaner to Faculty Administrative Officer


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Armed with a matric certificate but no money, Ms Maria

Ngakane thought enrolling for a degree or diploma would

remain a dream. But when she started work at the Vaal

University of Technology in 1997 as a cleaner, a whole

new world of educational opportunities opened up for her

and she grasped each one.

Driven by determination to build her skills, she enrolled for

short courses in computer studies and obtained several

certificates. Then she registered for a National Diploma

in Human Resource Management, and graduated in

2010. With this qualification, she was appointed Faculty

Administrative Officer in the Faculty of Management

Sciences, a senior position in the registration department.

Her job entails liaising with academics, involvement in the

planning process for registrations, overseeing registration,

and managing student and audit queries. She wanted to

learn more, though, and enrolled for a BTech in Human

Resources Management.

Maria says she feels “blessed” being part of an institution

that has created such an enabling environment for self-

development. VUT, she says, has fulfilled her educational

expectations. “Consider where I came from and where I

am today,” she said.

Maria says the lessons she has learnt, and which she

applies in her everyday life, are teamwork, hard work and

decisiveness.

She is proud to be a VUT ambassador and a member of

its alumni body, and recommends it as an institution

of choice. But she would like to see VUT encourage all

employees, and service workers in particular, to register

for formal programmes to improve their academic

qualifications.

Maria also believes “each and every diploma programme

should include customer service to better prepare

graduates for the world of work”, since customers and

clients are constants in every work environment.

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Call to alumni: ‘Make a lifetime investment’ Mr Selepe Madisha, an enterprise banker, (small business

manager) with the Absa/Barclays Bank Africa group,

believes his tertiary education gave him the life and

management skills – in addition to his qualification

in Cost and Management Accounting – to ensure his

success. And he is as committed to helping learners and

current students find success as he is to ensuring the

SMME managers he coaches and helps in his role as an

enterprise banker grow their businesses.

This should be a call to graduates: let us go back and be a

part of our University. At the very least, adopt a learner,

especially those already on the rise. Imagine having more

than 100 learners every year empowered by alumni. This

way, we can watch the community grow educationally. It

would be a lifetime investment for all,” he says.

As a business banker, it is his role to ensure the success of

the businesses run by the SMMEs that he manages. Their

success will have a positive impact on the economy of the

country, through employment opportunities generated by

their businesses.”

He warns that “without a formal qualification, the doors

of better career opportunities will remain closed”.

The knowledge I acquired in class and my exposure

to different banking sectors prepared me well for my

responsibilities. Being in an institution of higher learning

opens doors to many experiences, be they political,

academic or social.

When I joined the Vaal Triangle Technikon in 1999, I had

no knowledge of using a computer and no interest, or

experience, in leadership or any other student-related

activities.

However, by the end of 2003 I had chaired organisations,

served in various leadership roles and structures,

performed well academically and improved my networking

and social skills. These were my expectations and, yes,

they have been fulfilled.

As a bonus, I received the Special Award on Vice-

Chancellor’s Day in 2003, which acknowledged my

innovation in art – a skill I did not even know I had!”

He studied art and was able to create employment for

fellow students.

Urging alumni to become involved with their alma mater,

he acknowledges that “not all former students care

where they come from”. But, he says, “there is so much

that former students can give back, like helping place

young graduates with their companies – and making use

of this magazine to share their success stories and to

motivate others”.

Selepe, who is also a volunteer board member of the

National Burn Association of South Africa and managing

leader at Selepe Talks, studied at the then-named Vaal

Triangle Technikon. In addition to his Diploma, he has a

Certificate in Pastel Accounting from the Institution of

Higher Learning. He is planning to continue his BTech.

He encourages graduates to “keep pushing until you

achieve what you set out to do”. While he studied at VUT

because of its affordability, he says he has no regrets. “It

continues to unleash stars in the making!”

He also notes that the VTT at which he studied was “not

as diverse as the current VUT in terms of resources,

capacity, activities, residences and lecture rooms.

Students today have many more opportunities. They

should make wise use of them.”

He is greatly encouraged by the changes under way at

VUT under Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Moutlana.

He would like to see the University’s corporate social

initiatives more visible to alumni and the public.

I want to see how we are making a difference in the

community. I know that there are schools adopted by the

institution, but are we doing enough for them?”

He is looking forward to VUT events and wants to share

words of encouragement and inspiration to young alumni.

I also want to challenge the Alumni Office to organise

a talk show where students can engage directly with

graduates like Lira, David Tlale, Sasabona and so forth.

Most students look up to them, so let us challenge them

to plough back to their institution.”


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Electrical Engineer says VUT

qualification ‘opened all the

right doors’

LEKOPANE MOKONOPI chose Vaal Triangle Technikon

because of its affordability and because the satellite

campus was “on his doorstep” in Klerksdorp. But he also

knew that his chosen field of study required theoretical,

practical and experiential training – and that VUT was

equipped with world-class high voltage engineering

laboratories. That these were sponsored by mining

companies was all the better, for they are also engineering

subject matter experts.

“I knew that I would be equipped with knowledge

and skills from this highly recognised, higher learning

institution in South Africa,” he says.

He would like to see the Klerksdorp Campus re-opened,

because he recognises how valuable it was for him and

others like him living in that region.

The geographical area, away from the CBD rush, makes

studying easier,” he said. The well-equipped campus

and its lecturers, laboratories, libraries, student life,

communities and activities convinced him that he made

the right choice.

Lekopane is a senior technician in maintenance and

performance data with Eskom’s Operations and

Maintenance Plant (Engineering) in Sandton, his area

of operation and the economic hub of South Africa. His

job involves asset management, maintenance planning,

outage optimising and scheduling by applying specific

maintenance strategies. He worked previously as an

electrical draughtsman and trained with Grundfos South

Africa in technical sales and pump technology.

He received his National Diploma in Electrical Engineering

(Heavy Current) and is registered as a Professional

Engineering Technician (Pr Techni Eng) with the

Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). He is also

a member of the South African Institute of Electrical

Engineers (MSAIEE) and the Southern African Asset

Management Association (SAAMA).

I wouldn’t have achieved all this without my qualification.

It opened doors for my career and work experience,” he

says.

In comparing the then VTT campus experience with the

“new” VUT, he says the biggest difference is in language

medium.

“I was there during the transition and during my early

days at Vaal Triangle Technikon we received question

papers in English and Afrikaans,” he recalls.“It was

an advantage to the Afrikaans communities to write

exams in their mother tongue.” And, he says, it would

be good for everyone to be able to study in their

indigenous language, as the AfriForum Afrikaans

movement proposed for University of the Free State.

But it would be unfair to other African ethnic groups

so [such a language policy] must be across the board

for all languages.”

He was disappointed that “VUT has been in the

news in recent years with not such good news”.

“I would love to see honesty, enthusiasm, passion and

patriotism among everyone involved with the institution,

to redeem its reputation and make it a better institution

of higher learning, nationally and internationally.”

He would also love to see “every student, current and

former, involved with the institution after they graduate”.

Lekopane wants to become involved in bursary

programmes for needy students and to make a difference

in someone’s life. Graduates, he feels, should“ plough

back to the institution and the community by joining

VUT’s ekhaya alumni”.

He is already involved in the “dress a child for school”

alumni campaign, which collects school shoes and

sanitary towels for the needy, and calls on his fellow

graduates to become involved in such projects. Lekopane Mokonopi page 17


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VUT provided the bedrock for municipal manager’s achievements


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Mr Tshepo Bloom holds a National Diploma in Human

Resources Management from VUT, a qualification he

says is critical for understanding and negotiating “the

difficulties of working with human beings”.

I have always wanted to be a leader of South Africa. As

a leader, you are compelled to work with people. And

working with groups can be the most difficult thing to do.

And as a municipal manager, you must be very good in

human relations.”

He started to realise his potential at Vaal Triangle

Technikon (Vaal University of Technology) on the North

West campus, attending lectures in a classroom at the

Unie Primary School.

His academic qualification was “the foundation, the

beginning, of better things to come”. Since then he has

achieved:

o From NORTH WEST UNIVERSITY, Potchefstroom

Campus, a Bachelor Degree in Business

Administration (BBA), 2003, and

o A University Diploma in Public Management and

Governance (also 2003).

o From UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE, a

Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law,

(Honours), 2008, and

o A Master’s Degree in Public Administration,

2011.

He chose the North West satellite campus in Klerksdorp

because, he said, “VUT was at the forefront in

transforming the higher education system in South Africa

and I wanted to be counted among the people contributing

to transforming a historically white institution”.

And, being from a poor family, he couldn’t afford a Technikon

residence while accommodation costs in Klerksdorp were

reasonable. Most important, he says, “students were

provided with the same study materials and lectures as

students at the Main Campus at Vanderbijlpark”.

Tshepo says he is grateful for the opportunity he had to

study at the satellite campus. “It really contributed to

[my]achievements.”

He held numerous leadership positions during his time on

campus:

o 95-96 Student Representative Council (SRC) –

Vaal Triangle Technikon –finance coordinator,

responsible for all SRC finances.

o 96-97 Student Representative Council – Vaal

Triangle Technikon –academic coordinator,

responsible for all academic matters affecting

students. Also attended to all financial and

academic exclusions.

o 96-97 SASCO – North West Province –

transformation and education officer,

responsible for education transformation

matters for all tertiary institutions in

North-West province.

o 97- 98 SASCO – Vaal Triangle Technikon –

secretary, responsible for the overall

management of the SASCO branch in the

Technikon.“The entire membership depended

on my capabilities to keep it functioning.”

In these leadership positions he developed abilities that are

crucial to a successful career, like running an organisation,

managing his time efficiently, and leadership, diplomacy

and negotiating skills, which are necessary to lead and

manage groups of people.

He notes that at the then-VTT, the student body had

political and academic institutional transformation to deal with,

along with their studies, while “today the agenda at VUT means

the student body faces challenges of social transformation”.

He notes that a major change has occurred in the election of

SRC officers: previously this was based on leadership and ability;

now it is based on popularity.

Other major changes he observes is that “VUT now operates

within policies determined by a democratic South Africa, as

opposed to that of a historically white institution and education

system based on apartheid policies”.

Tshepo would like to see VUT’s outreach programmes more

visible, along with functional reunion and alumni structures

– “and all graduates becoming involved irrespective of the

campus from which they graduated”.

It is important for social responsibility that successful graduates

maintain contact with VUT, he says.

My involvement shows that I appreciate and acknowledge the

contribution of VUT in my achievements.”For its part, VUT can

refer to successful graduates and their exemplary contributions

to society, creating valid role models for students to emulate.

He rates VUT as ‘10 out of 10’ as an educational institution.

Vaal University of Technology is my alma mater. It will always be

close to my heart,” says Tshepo.


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Honorary DoctoratesVUT honours People’s Champions

Every year VUT recognises those people who change

and improve, in their respective ways, circumstances for

South Africa’s people. During graduation ceremonies,

VUT has conferred honorary degrees on some of those

people who have contributed, in a sustained manner, in

areas such as education, health and the eradication of

joblessness and poverty.

The Honourable Mr Justice Majake Meshack Mabesele

was awarded a Doctoris Technologiae (Honoris causa)

in the Faculty of Human Sciences in April 2013. Justice

Mabesele was appointed as a judge in the North and

South Gauteng High Court by the President of the

Republic of South Africa in May 2010. He obtained his BA,

BA Honours, MA and LLB Degrees from the University of

the North (Turfloop), now the University of Limpopo.

Justice Mabesele was a practising advocate for more than

20 years, specialising in Development law, Transportation

Law, Criminal Law and Labour Law. He served in

several acting magisterial positions in Polokwane and

Bloemfontein and as acting judge in the Bloemfontein

High Court, as well as in the North and South Gauteng

High Court. He has also been a judge in the South African

Defence Force.

His contribution to transformation has been commendable.

He served on the first Water Tribunal, established in 1998

to protect users against administrative decisions made

by water management authorities and institutions. He

was among representatives of various political parties

who deliberated on the political violence that gripped the

country prior to the first democratic general election in

1994.

Judge Mabesele became a Pietersburg Transitional

Local Councillor and was appointed deputy-chairperson

of the Planning Committee responsible for township

development. He played a significant role in the drafting

of new policies for service delivery by the Council and

facilitated the training of municipal councillors on tender

procedures and ethics.

In the 1994 and 2000 General and Local Government

Elections he was one of the mediators responsible for

resolving disputes regarding the conduct of rival political

candidates and parties.

He has also been a development strategist and workshop

facilitator. He helped draft development objectives and

goals for the Metsimaholo, Matjhabeng, Lindley and

Makhado municipalities. He has also chaired various

local government boards, tribunals and Commissions of

Enquiry.

The judge has recently conducted scientific research for

his doctoral studies on the impact of services protests by

pressure groups on development planning, with a specific

focus on the constitutional rights of persons to basic

services against limited resources.

He has made substantial donations of law books to the

University of Venda and the Vaal University of Technology.

Through his efforts and quiet persuasion, other legal

practitioners have also donated Law books to VUT. Judge

Mabesele continues to offer voluntary lectures in Law to

University of Venda students.

He is the author of five novels dealing with issues such

as xenophobia, HIV and Aids, substance abuse, inequality

and poverty.

He has made a sustained, lifetime contribution to the

legal profession and a lifetime of altruistic and selfless

contributions to higher education, local government,

sport and politics.

Professor Irene Moutlana, Vice-Chancellor and Principal

said: “in line with VUT’s mission – to produce top-

quality, entrepreneurial graduates who can make an

impact in society – we acknowledge Justice Mabesele as

an exquisite role model for graduates of our University.”

Justice Majake Meshack Mabesele

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2012

VUT honoured the head of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC)

at a 2012 graduation ceremony at the Vanderbijlpark

Campus on 12 September. His Grace, the Right Reverend

Dr Barnabas Edward Lekganyane, was awarded an

Honorary Doctorate in the Faculty of Human Sciences,

in recognition of his selfless contribution in “building a

society that upholds the highest principles of morality

and ethics, and embraces peace, prosperity, collaboration

and love among its people”.

Like his predecessors, Dr Lekganyane saw the importance

of education. In addition to the Kgotso Bursary Fund

established by his late father, he founded the Bishop

Edward Lekganyane Bursary Fund, for people from

disadvantaged backgrounds. In 1995, he launched the

construction of the Evelyn Lekganyane clinic, a health

centre named after his mother. The clinic serves the

entire community, numbering some 400 out-patients.

He also set up skills training in bricklaying, welding,

electrical, plumbing and sewing skills, among many more,

through the Kganya Group.

In accepting his Honorary Doctorate, he said: “Good

science and technology education is crucial for South

Africa’s future innovation [while] the humanities are

important for understanding some of the difficult

challenges the country faces.” Challenges to be dealt with,

he said, included “transformation, violence, corruption,

education, service delivery, innovation, the gap between

rich and poor, and the issue of race”.

A highlight for the audience and especially VUT students

who are members of the ZCC church, was a march

and musical display by the ZCC choir. The Bishop was

welcomed by trumpet-blowing and much jubilation. The

recipients of the honorary degrees have all confronted

issues that impact people’s daily lives and continue to

challenge our government on a national level. Below are

brief extracts of the contributions of each:

Barnabas Edward Lekganyane

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page 25

2012Mr Mapetla Frank Mohapi

(awarded posthumously)

Mr Mapetla Mohapi, black consciousness activist and

comrade of Bantu Steve Biko, regarded the Vaal area as

his “second home” where he frequently “recharged his

political batteries”. Heregularly visited his cousin, the late

Dr Mokhesi in Sharpeville and relatives on his mother’s

side of the family, the Mahabanes, in Evaton.

Dr Mokhesi introduced Mapetla to local political activists

“so as to keep the torch of the liberation struggle

burning”. The Sharpeville massacre of 21 March 1961

played a prominent role in the young Mapetla’s political

development as he, at the very young age of 15, decided to

fight for the liberation and emancipation of black people.

His daughter, Ms Motheba Mohapi, accepted the

Honorary Doctorate on behalf of the family. She said:“I

wish to say to you, my fellow countrymen, that political

freedom has been achieved and, with the same discipline,

vision, commitment and education that drove our fathers,

economic freedom can be achieved.”

Dr Mohapi died aged 30, on 5 August 1976. He was buried

in the village of Jozannashoek, Herschel, Sterkspruit.

Motheba Mohapi

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2012

Mr Gary Immelman was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in

Engineering for his many contributions to manufacturing,

industry and to the Vaal University of Technology. He has

been a good friend of VUT and its Technikon predecessor

since 1974.

He studied Electronic Engineering at Pretoria University

from 1975, one of only 60 students granted entry to the

new faculty under Professor Louis van Biljon.

Mr Immelman was a founding member and the first deputy

chairperson of VUT’s Technology Station in Composite

Materials and the first chairperson of the Technology

Station Advisory / Management committee. He donated

R100 000 towards building the new technology station

building at VUT. He has also been awarded the VUT Golden

Award for his sterling work.

His remarkable aptitude showed early – he built his

first radio aged 11, became the youngest independent

member of the South African Radio League at 13 and

passed the Morse code examination to fully qualify as a

radio amateur at age 16. During his national service, he

lectured in electronics and tactical radio and carried out

ground-breaking research on UHF signal paths for the

military.

Mr Immelman has published numerous handbooks and

tutorials on antenna theory, tactical antennae, basic

electricity and establishing tactical radio stations; and

technical articles on a simple mathematical approach

to signal strength estimation, receiver sensitivity and

transmitter output power.

He and his father were the first to produce stone guards

using injection-moulding in South Africa and, at AK Stone

Guards, he revealed his business acumen by doubling

its turnover in four months. In a year, he increased

its monthly profit to double that of the turnover the

company was achieving when he first joined the company.

Through his continuous improvements to manufacturing

methods, the company grew exponentially and created

much-needed new jobs. Under his innovative leadership,

AK Stone Guards was the first company in South Africa

to produce products from polyurethane reaction injection

moulding, at the time cutting-edge technology.

He developed specialised polyurethane systems with

ICI to manufacture exterior components for the motor

industry and has won numerous Automotive Supplier of

the Year Awards from companies such as Nissan, General

Motors and Toyota.

Mr Immelman served on the Telkom Centre of Excellence

steering committee for two years with Professor Christo

Pienaar.

Gary Immelman

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2011

Music icon Hugh Masekela was awarded an Honorary

Doctorate degree in the Humanities for his sustained,

lifetime contributions to the performing arts.

From age 14 when he was given a trumpet by Archbishop

Trevor Huddleston, the anti-apartheid chaplain at St

Peter’s Secondary School, Mr Masekela contributed to the

performing arts, from the formation of the first African

Jazz group, the Epistles, to his receiving the National

Order of Ikamanga, a Gold Award,fromPresident Jacob

Zuma. He travelled with the first troupe of the King Kong

musical in the late 1950s. He established the Botswana

International School of Music in 1981 and is known as a

fearless, creative and restless performer who is deeply

engaged with the issues of the day. He continuously

explores new musical adventures and has never lost track

of his roots.

In nominating him, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor

Irene Moutlana said, “The life story and musical career of

Mr Hugh Masekela should be an inspiration to all youth,

particularly black youth, that determination can catapult

one from the dusty streets of black townships to an

international icon. He has been a remarkable ambassador

of the African continent and a fierce advocate for human

rights and democracy.”

Hugh Masekela

page 28 page 29


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2011

Dr Manfred Johannes’s expertise has enabled VUT to

be one of the leading institutions in the area of Physics

and Non-destructive Testing. As a chief member of the

external review panel for Non-destructive Testing and

member of the Non-destructive Testing Advisory Board,

he provided the University with precious counsel and

assistance as VUT upgraded facilities for Non-destructive

Testing. The many workshops that he conducted over

the years have been invaluable in lifting the profile of this

discipline within the institution.

When VUT became a University of Technology, Dr

Johannes helped VUT to put its Non-destructive Testing

and Physics Departments on a firm footing to the point

that it is one of its strongest research focus areas today.

He led the VUT External Review Panel for NDT in 2010; and

as a member of the NDT Advisory Board he has enabled

us to strengthen our laboratory practices as well as our

NDT programme.

Through his advocacy among employers, VUT’s WiL

(Work-Integrated Learning) programme in NDT has

become one of the best in the country. We are proud of

his achievements and the contributions he has made to

our University in Physics and Non-destructive Testing.

Manfred Johannes, President of the South African

Institute of Non-destructive Testing,has been a good

friend of the Vaal University of Technology.

Manfred Johannes

page 30 page 31


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page 33



Other Honorary Doctorates

awarded by VUT in the past decade:

DATE PERSON DESIGNATION FIELD

06/09/2002 Former Archbishop: Anglican ChurchDr Bishop Desmond Tutu

Former Archbishop: Anglican Church

Humanities

14/09/2006@ 10:00

Prof Martin Hinoul Business Development Manager

K U Leuven Research & Development

Received an Extraordinary Professorship

15/09/2006@ 14:00

Dr Adv Pansy Tlakula Chief Electoral Officer

Electoral Commission of SA (IEC)

Legal Studies

15/09/2006@ 14:00

Dr Molefi Oliphant South African Football Association (SAFA)

Sport Management

18/03/2008@ 10:00

Dr Mosibudi Mangena Minister of Science & Technology

Applied Sciences

18/03/2008@ 14:00

Dr Adv Ishmael Anthony Mmakwena Semenya

Advocate: (IAM)Pitje Chambers

Law

19/03/2008@ 10:00

Dr D N Koloane Director

Fordsburg Artists’ Studios

Fine Arts

19/03/2008@ 14:00

Dr Sipho Mila Pityana Executive Chairperson

Izingwe Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Humanities

10/09/2008@ 14:00

Dr Advocate G Bizos SC Senior Advocate, Chairperson

Legal Resources Centre

Law

11/09/2008@ 14:00

Dr Archbishop W H N Ndungane

Former Anglican Archbishop

Historic School Restoration

Humanities

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page 35

Infrastructure development

BUILDING A BIGGER, BETTER VUT FOR THE FUTURE

T h e

h i g h e r

education

l a n d s c a p e

in South Africa

is developing

rapidly. It has

become imperative

for institutions of

higher learning to expand

and improve their capacity

to accommodate increasing

intakes of new students each

year. And, in a bid to improve the

quality of the South African education

system, the government has allocated

almost a fifth of its budget towards

the expansion and improvement of the

education system. Major achievements for VUT

indicate the University is rising to the challenge of

growing by leaps and bounds and offering quality

education as it does so.

• In 2012, VUT earmarked additional infrastructural

funding of R343 million for seven major projects,

including an African Languages Centre. Through

partnerships with government, industry, commerce,

business and community, VUT raised R4,67 million and

well over R200 000 in laboratory equipment and donations

in kind.

• Its finance asset base had grown from R870 million in 2008 to

more than R1.6 billion in 2012.

• VUT won 1st Position in 2010 in the Higher Education Excellence Award;

and second andthird positions in 2011 and 2012.

• The University received the NSFAS Best Compliance Award.

• VUT is improving its PQM (Programme Qualification Mix) in line with its mission by

re-curriculating and introducing new programmes, including the following approved

academic programmes :

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• Diploma in Labour Law

• Diploma in Legal Assistance

• PHD in Chemistry

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory

Sciences

• Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education

• Diploma in Eco-Tourism Management.

During the past five years VUT has grown from 11 000

students to 22 000 students, including those at sites of

delivery. This steep growth in numbers calls for a plan

of action to expand its infrastructure to offer students a

better learning experience.

Meeting these challenges requires a significant

investment in human resources, educational programmes

and infrastructure. In 2012 the Department of Education

allocated funds to VUT for the proposed development and

expansion of its infrastructure expansion plan. In light

of the available funding awarded by the Department of

Higher Education and Training (DHET), VUT is addressing

the current infrastructure challenges by erecting new

buildings, part of its expansion towards growth of the

institution.

The approach followed in determining priority needs is

based on stringent criteria and prioritisation.

New infrastructure development that will be completed in

the next two to three years:

• Disability Unit and African Languages Centre

- R32 million

• Teacher Education Building (Educity, Sebokeng)

- R34 million

• Life and Physical Sciences Building

- R125 million

• Extension to Engineering Building

- R15 million

• Student Housing (400 beds) at Main Campus

- R77 million

• Student Housing (300 beds) at Educity Campus

- R54 million

These are in addition to, or include, a new IT and

Registration building, a Health Simulation Lab and HIV

Unit and a new auditorium with a capacity of 3 500. Also

newly established is the VUT Science and Technology

Park, which has already established valuable links with

private and public partnerships

The remainder of the Infrastructure and Efficiency

Funding will be used for teaching and research equipment

and furnishings in new buildings, to provide state of the

art equipment for laboratories and research centres.

page 36 page 37


page 38


page 39

Faculty Highlights 2012 / 2013

FACULTY OF APPLIED & COMPUTER SCIENCESFACULTY OF APPLIED & COMPUTER SCIENCESThis Faculty has excelled in the past two years. Among

the highlights have been:

• Rotek Engineering an Eskom subsidiary –

recruited five NDT diploma graduates.

• Mr D Matsane, a BTech (IT) student, presented

his 3rd year (final) project and was

awarded 3rd place at the 2012 Vodacom Student

Symposium, showcasing the best and brightest

talents in mobile development from Vodacom’s

Developer Programme Partner Institutions. He

received a prize of R5 000 and a new Blackberry

mobile device.

• The new BSc Biomed and B Nursing were

approved by the professional body. The PhD

(Biotechnology) was approved by DHET.

• The D Tech in Chemistry was included on the

University PQM. Students registered from 2013.

• Six Biosciences staff members attended GCMS,

HPLC and ICP training in France and Singapore.

• A National Diploma Office Management

and Technology student, NI Moloi, received

the Vice-Chancellor’s Award at the March/April

2012 Graduation ceremonies.

• Ten National Diploma OMT students graduated

cum laude, as did two M Tech students.

• One doctoral and two Master’s degrees, and a

PGCE, were conferred on Faculty staff.

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page 41

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGYFACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGYThe Faculty of Engineering and Technology has continued

to raise the bar in teaching and research in higher

education:

• In 2012 all Diploma and BTech qualifications

offered in the Faculty received provisional

Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)

accreditation for a year. After a revisit, the

three Electrical Engineering departments –

Process Control and Computer Systems,

Power Engineering and Electronic Engineering –

received full ECSA accreditation for all

programmes offered by these departments.

The Department of Metallurgical Engineering

received full accreditation for the national

Diploma in Metallurgy. The remaining

Engineering programmes offered in the

Faculty received provisional accreditation and

will be revisited in 2014.

• The Cisco Academy in the Computer Systems

department was awarded the accolade of Best

New Academy in Africa (sub-Sahara region), at

the Cisco Africa Safari, held in Durban.

• Five new BTech projects were initiated in

collaboration with the Vaal Foundry Initiative

and the Department of Visual Arts and Design.

• Proposed Diplomas in Metallurgical Engineering,

Mechanical Engineering and Industrial

Engineering were approved at Senate.

• To meet industry requirements, the Electrical

Engineering and Computer Systems

laboratories are continuously upgraded.

ECSA expressed its satisfaction with

laboratory equipment and use.

• The development and implementation of

e-learning in the three Electrical departments

are on track, with lecturing to the distance

delivery site coordinated by department staff.

The academic and technical staff have adapted

well to the new way of lecturing using Smart

Board technology.

Faculty of Engineering and Technology

page 40 page 41


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page 43

FACULTY OF HUMAN SCIENCESFACULTY OF HUMAN SCIENCESThe Faculty of Human Sciences has continued its proud

record of producing top quality students and staff.

In the past two years it has celebrated a number of

milestones, including receiving accreditation for the

Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, which was

implemented in 2013.

• Professor Kholeka Moloi was selected as a

finalist in the 2013 Women in Science Award in Social

Sciences hosted annually by the department of Science

and Technology (DST). She emerged as an overall winner

and received and award in the category : Distinguished

Women Social Sciences.

• Four academics received RATE awards.

• In the Department of Legal Sciences the ADHE

was conferred cum laude on Ms I du Preez and Dr DJ

Joubert. Both were invited to join the Golden Key Honour

Society (UFS Chapter)

• Dr Joubert received a New Member Award from

the Golden Key Honour Society for her outstanding

academic performance and achievements, proven

leadership skills, involvement in extra-curricular activities

and participation in community service. She was also a

national finalist in the Teaching and Learning Sector of

“South Africa’s most Influential Women in Business and

Government: Celebrating Excellence in Organisations (CEO

Communications).

• On Women’s Day, VUT awarded Top Women in

the faculty of Human Science in the area of Research and

Leadership to Dr DJ Joubert and Professor KC Moloi.

• Three lecturers in Legal Sciences, I du Preez,

I Mulder de Does and R Prinsloo, were nationally and

internationally accredited as mediators.

• On 19 February 2013VUT student Zanele Plaatjie,

22, was named a finalist in the prestigious Sony World

Photography Awards Student Focus competition, the

world’s largest student photography programme and

award. She attended the Sony World Photography

Awards Gala Ceremony, held in London on 25 April 2013.

Although she did not win the 2013 Student Focus title,

she was awarded a 2013 Sony Finalist Certificate.

Faculty Of Human Sciences

page 42

• Mr Nyembezi conducted a workshop in story

development and film-directing over three days at

K-Block. The renowned actor coached students in all

areas of film production, including characterisation,

performance, blocking for camera, scene setup, shot

setup and directing. He described the production of the

film as “a pilot project for community development”.

• VUT Hospitality staff hosted the Top Chef

Competition at the Riviera-on-Vaal Hotel & Country

Club, which also part-sponsored the event, in September

2012. VUT students competed against Cape Peninsula

University of Technology (CPUT) and Tshwane University

of Technology (TUT) students. VUT was placed first in the

outdoor category and third in the indoor group.

• The Department of Visual Arts &Design hosted

an inaugural inter-institutional research seminar with

TUT senior Graphic Design students. Organised by senior

lecturer Kate Chmela-Jones in September 2012, and

themed Research and inquiry in Visual Communication,

it provided an opportunity for students and staff to

discuss completed research and research-in-progress, to

benchmark their work and to begin a dialogue for further

research collaborations with staff and students from TUT.

• VUT Fashion students took first, second and

third places in the annual Rotary Young Designer of the

Year 2012 Competition in the “Under 30 Still in Training”

category. VUT’s students dazzled the judges and the

audience with their inspired creations for the competition,

‘The Fragrance of Flowers’.The winners were:1st Place:

Esme Booyens, 2nd Place: Lindo Mnguni, 3rd Place:

Elnie Botha

• Mr David Tlale, a renowned international

fashion designer who completed his studies at VUT, was

contracted to work with final-year Fashion students

in a fast-track programme. This competition rewards

winning students with an opportunity to create a limited

range for an identified fashion store during an internship.


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page 45

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCESThis Faculty has achieved much to be proud of in the

past two years, with staff and students excelling in many

disciplines.

• A record 10 MTech degrees were conferred, two

of which were awarded cum laude, reflecting a

marked improvement in postgraduate conferrals.

• The Department of Human Resources led the

way in the national re-curriculation process of

the Human Resources Management

programmes for universities in South Africa.

• The Human Resources Department received

full accreditation from the South African

Board for People Practices (SABPP) to

offer all levels of HR qualifications at

VUT. Only five universities are currently

accredited by the professional body for

HR in SA to offer HR qualifications.VUT

students can now register as HR

practitioners upon graduation, which

greatly increases their employability.

• The Human Resources Development Universities

Forum is chaired by Dr Pierre Joubert (HoD,

Department of Human Resources Management).

This forum is now recognised as a Higher

Education Special Interest Group by the SABPP.

Dr Joubert was also appointed external

chairperson for the 2012 HEQF review

of the Department of Human Resource

Management at the Durban University of

Technology (DUT).

• A total of 42 articles (35 units) were published in

DoE accredited journals. Two articles

were published in international non-accredited

journals. A total of 24 presentations were made

at international and national conferences.

• Professor J Surujlal and Professor M Dhurup

received the top awards for Research Excellence

at VUT. Dr K Mathu and Mr C Mafini received

University Research Achievement awards.

Faculty Of Management Sciences

• Ms C Janse van Rensburg received the highest

score in the 2012 RATE awards.

• Consulting supervisors were appointed to assist

with supervising postgraduate students.

• Shoprite Checkers awarded 22 bursaries to

Retail Business Management students. This

partnership has been ongoing for five years

and many students have found employment in

Checkers retail outlets countrywide.

• The Faculty developed a partnership with SAB

and Halewood companies for collaboration on

student intake and bursaries. The Marketing

Department has engaged Halewood about

developing a simulation lab on campus.

• The Accountancy Department ran a successful

Advanced Practical Accountancy module (WIL).

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page 47

VUT HELPS CAPACITATE GOVERNMENTThe year 2013 marks the 4th year of the Public

Administration Leadership and Management Academy

(PALAMA) Executive Development Programme (EDP) for

senior managers in national government departments, in

association with VUT.

The EDP has now also been rolled out in post-conflict

African countries to include Rwanda, Burundi and South

Sudan.

National government departments are also enrolling

deputy directors into PALAMA’s Accelerated Development

Programme (ADP), which consists of EDP, Project Khaedu,

coaching and mentoring. The ADP provides an opportunity

to complete six EDP core modules, which gives access to

four elective modules, with the possibility of qualifying

to study towards a Master’s Degree with one of the

lead universities (VUT, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan

University, North-West University and Tshwane University

of Technology). Two partnering institutions, Durban

University of Technology (DUT) and Central University of

Technology (CUT), have also taken Master’s students from

the programme.

This programme has etched the VUT brand in the minds

of senior officials in nearly all national government and

some provincial governments. Over the years, VUT’s

association with PALAMA has grown and strengthened

as it delivers the product with excellence.

The distinction with which this is being done is thanks

to the support of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene

Moutlana, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic &

Research, Professor Louw, and the Executive Dean:

Management Sciences, Professor Roy Dhurup. The

Executive Director: ICT, Mr David Ramasodi, ensures

online delivery of the programme. Selinah Mahlangu is

the project coordinator.

Participants on this programme are directors and chief

directors from

• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

• PALAMA

PALAMA Executive Development Programme: VUT helps capacitate

government

• National Prosecutions Authority (NPA)

• Department of Public Services and Administration (DPSA)

• Statistics South Africa (STATSSA)

• Social Security Agency of South Africa (SASSA)

• Department of Environment and Tourism (DEAT)

• Department of Home Affairs

• Department of Human Settlements

• Department of Science and Technology (DST)

• Office of the Premier in Limpopo

• Safety and Security Education and Training Authority (SASSETA)

• Department of Labour (DoL)

• Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)

• Department of Water Affairs

• Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

• Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

• Department of Transport

• South African National Parks (SANPARKS)

• South African Police Services (SAPS)

• Department of Correctional Services (DCS)

• Department of Public Enterprise

• Department of Tourism

• Mpumalanga Provincial Finance

• COGTA

• Post Conflict African Countries, viz. Rwanda, Burundi and Southern Sudan


page 48


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Documents

Alumni Magazine - Vaal University of Technology magazine 2.pdf · Alumni help with “Assist a graduate to work" project The “Assist a graduate to work project, started in 2012