Be the change you want to see at VUT
Be the change you want to see at VUT
Selina Rapulane
On 17 February, The Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park (VUTSGSTP) staff members and students had a visit from Ms Tisch Farrell: Brand Manager at VUT, for a meaningful discussion on the campaign that the institution is currently carrying out entitled: #changevut.
“The team and I are having these roadshows, so that you as VUT stakeholders are informed about the purpose of the campaign. In 2016 we talked to everybody and we asked what people think of VUT. From all the answers we received, we realised that we are not relevant anymore. Our brand is old, and it doesn’t speak to the millennials, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution. That is why we saw a need for this change,” said Ms Farrell.
She further mentioned that VUT employees and students need to change their mindsets and move forward, as they cannot remain the same if they want to continue being competitive. She added that for this change to be engraved in their minds, they need to change the way they walk, talk, engage with external people and relate to one another.
“We need to be a brand that people want to associate with. Let us revive ourselves, walk upright and talk positively about the university. Let us own this campaign and be proud brand ambassadors,” she said.
The VUTSGSTP staff members and students engaged in the session and felt honoured to be able to contribute to this exciting campaign, they said.
Mr Moeketsi Montshitsi: Public Relations Coordinator shared a few of his ideas and asked relevant questions regarding branding as he oversees this at the VUTSGSTP.
Mr Alwyn Taljaard: Milling Specialist, also took the opportunity to ask how the departments need to incorporate this campaign into their everyday work and Ms Farrell answered that, “Everybody needs to be the change they want to see in their workplaces. You know what is not working in your office and you need to find ways to change it, so that you enjoy your work.”
The awareness campaign is set to continue for the next six months – with roadshows planned for all campuses – and thereafter it is hoped VUT will sport a new brand identity, and a renewed sense of belonging.
