14 April 2025 | Story: Tshepiso Kaibe | Photo: Peter Masela.
2 minutes read time.
There are moments during graduation when words alone cannot capture the joy, pride, and relief that fill the air. This past week at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), those emotions found their perfect companion in song. The VUT Choir, led by Mr Vumile Nomanyama, the university’s Culture and Diversity Officer from Student Life, once again became the soulful heartbeat of the Autumn Graduation ceremonies held from 7 to 12 April 2025.
With every note they sang, the choir lifted spirits and wrapped the audience in warmth. Their vibrant, moving performances brought a sense of celebration and connection, resonating through each graduation session and leaving attendees with unforgettable memories.
Their carefully rehearsed setlist featured a variety of popular and uplifting songs that sparked joy, applause, and even a few tears. Their harmonies filled the venue with pride and excitement, transforming each ceremony into a powerful shared experience for graduates, their families, and the broader university community.
Reflecting on the week, choir chairperson Ms Kea Lekolwane described the experience as deeply fulfilling. “It has been a beautiful experience witnessing people receive the rewards of studying,” she said. “To be part of something so meaningful, especially during a milestone event like graduation, is truly rewarding.”
For Ms Lekolwane, the celebration was especially personal. In addition to performing, she also graduated with a Diploma in Internal Auditing. “It has been great working with the choir. We have such a strong, talented group, and to celebrate our hard work and achievements together, both musically and academically, has been nothing short of amazing,” she added.
She was not alone in this dual celebration. Fellow choir members Mr Makuwa Evans and Ms Mpho Ndweni also marked their own academic milestones. Mr Evans received his Diploma in Information Technology, while Ms Ndweni graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Policing. Their stories added another layer of pride to the choir’s performances, showing that behind the voices were individuals who had journeyed through their own academic paths.
The choir’s presence at graduation was more than entertainment. It was a reminder of the university’s spirit — vibrant, united, and grounded in the power of community. With Mr Nomanyama’s leadership, the VUT Choir continues to play an essential role in the university’s cultural life, using music to uplift, inspire, and bring people together.
As they sang through the week’s ceremonies, the choir reminded everyone that graduation is not only a celebration of academic success, but also of the community that makes it possible.
