“VUT hosted a University of Fort Hare delegation for a benchmarking visit to exchange best practices on social justice, transformation, gender equity and institutional support.”
15 July 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), through its Social Justice and Transformation (SJT) Unit, welcomed a delegation from the University of Fort Hare (UFH) on 7 July 2026 for a benchmarking visit aimed at strengthening institutional transformation, promoting gender equity, and sharing best practices that foster safe, inclusive and responsive university environments.
The delegation was welcomed by VUT’s Director of Social Justice and Transformation, Mr George Mvalo, together with members of the SJT Unit, including Ms Faith Mocoancoeng, Student Accommodation Manager; Mr Siphiwe Tshabalala, Protection Services Manager; and Mr Xolisa Faku, Employee Relations Specialist.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr Mvalo described the visit as an important opportunity for collaboration and mutual learning between institutions committed to advancing social justice and institutional transformation.
“Benchmarking visits like this turn commitment into action. By learning from one another, we deepen our shared responsibility to advance diversity, inclusion and safety across our universities. Transformation cannot rest with one office or one department; it is a shared institutional responsibility, and at VUT we are unapologetic about that commitment.”
Reflecting on VUT’s journey since its establishment in 1966, Mr Mvalo highlighted the University’s continued evolution as it celebrates 60 years of academic excellence, innovation and transformation. He explained how this legacy informs Strategy 2033+ and the University’s ongoing commitment to building an equitable, inclusive and socially just institutional culture.
He also provided an overview of the SJT Unit’s distinctive approach to social justice, demonstrating how the unit monitors, evaluates and reports on institutional structures, policies, processes and initiatives that support transformation across the University.
The benchmarking programme showcased several initiatives through presentations delivered by specialists from across the institution.
Ms Faith Mocoancoeng shared key lessons from the Welfare Victim Empowerment Programme, while Mr Mziwoxolo Nkwenkwezi, Disability Services Coordinator, outlined the University’s disability support services and the monitoring and reporting mechanisms that promote accessibility and inclusion for staff and students.
Mr Teboho Bojabotseha, Acting Transformation Manager, presented VUT’s Draft Transformation Policy, the Draft Integrated Transformation Plan (ITP), and programmes that strengthen governance, monitoring, evaluation and reporting on institutional transformation.
Providing a demographic perspective, Ms Caroline Maselela presented data on foreign nationals at VUT, disaggregated by gender, occupational level, academic and support categories, and job titles.
The programme continued with Mr Victor Mashilwane, Employment Equity Practitioner, who presented on gender transformation, employment equity and diversity. Ms Ellen Miya, Transformation Consultant, explored the theme Making Visible the Invisible: Key Lessons in Monitoring and Reporting through the University’s Gender Banner initiative.
Concluding the presentations, Mr Siphiwe Tshabalala and Mr Xolisa Faku outlined VUT’s institutional response to reported incidents on campus, highlighting established protocols, ongoing challenges and opportunities for improvement, as well as the role of employee relations in promoting gender inclusivity and fairness.
Speaking on behalf of the University of Fort Hare, Ms Nonhlanhla Sibanda Moyo, Director of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Unit, thanked VUT for openly sharing its experiences and institutional practices.
“We arrived hoping to gather practical approaches and leave equipped to strengthen our transformation strategy. We appreciate VUT’s openness and the clear examples shared today. The insights gained will assist us as we review our institutional strategy and expand initiatives that support transformation and gender equity.”
Closing the engagement, Mr Mvalo reaffirmed VUT’s commitment to continued collaboration between higher education institutions.
“This should not be the end of the conversation, but the beginning of a lasting partnership. We look forward to seeing how the ideas shared today translate into meaningful impact,and we hope to celebrate the progress made by both institutions at our next engagement. Together, we can build universities that are inclusive, safe, accountable and socially just.”
The visit concluded with an interactive knowledge-sharing session that encouraged open dialogue, the exchange of practical experiences and the exploration of future collaboration opportunities.
As VUT celebrates 60 Years of Inspiring Thought and Shaping Talent, engagements such as this benchmarking visit demonstrate the University’s commitment to fostering partnerships that strengthen transformation, promote social justice and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable higher education sector.