“VUT partnered with Home Affairs to address visa challenges for international students, offering clarity on study visa applications, renewals and support systems”
21October 2025 | Story By: Ntebogeleng Digasu| Picture: Naledi Nkosi.
2 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted officials from the Department of Home Affairs on 16 October 2025 for an engagement session with international students on immigration matters affecting their studies and stay in South Africa. The discussion sought to address challenges students face within the higher education sector, particularly concerning visa applications, renewals, and compliance with immigration regulations.
The initiative, organised by the Internationalisation Office, reflected VUT’s continued commitment to supporting its international community and ensuring that students are well informed about legal and administrative requirements.
The session, held on campus, drew a diverse audience of international students from across faculties. The Director of the Internationalisation Office, Mr Vido Kungane, served as Programme Director, facilitating dialogue between students and the delegation from Home Affairs. The officials in attendance, Mr Ben Makgalemele, Mr Mfulo Rolidzala and Advocate Luvo Vena, shared valuable insights into departmental processes, highlighting their role in maintaining efficient and lawful migration systems. Their participation reinforced the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and government departments in addressing student mobility and compliance challenges.
In his presentation, Mr Ben Makgalemele outlined the constitutional and regulatory framework guiding the Department’s work, explaining that Home Affairs is mandated to facilitate and regulate the secure movement of people through South Africa’s ports of entry. He elaborated on the key requirements for obtaining and renewing a study visa, stressing the need to submit valid and complete documentation. His remarks provided much-needed clarity to students navigating visa renewals and status maintenance during their academic journey.
The session was characterised by openness and mutual respect. Students candidly shared their concerns, while Home Affairs officials responded with transparency and empathy. This constructive exchange deepened understanding of immigration procedures and outlined practical steps to ensure compliance with national legislation.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr Prajesh Bhikha, who commended both the Department of Home Affairs and the student body for their participation and willingness to engage. He noted that “honest conversations lead to understanding, and understanding leads to progress”—a fitting reflection of the collaborative spirit that defined the engagement.