Alumni Magazine - Vaal University of Technology magazine 2.pdf · Alumni help with “Assist a...
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MagazineBack to your roots
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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
Email us at: [email protected] / [email protected]
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
Email us at: [email protected] / [email protected]
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.
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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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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
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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
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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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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.
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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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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
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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
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• 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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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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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