“VUT and VUTFM hosted Ayanda MaNgubane Borotho for an inspiring Chapters & Conversations session that encouraged students to reflect on identity, healing, authenticity and personal growth.”
02 June 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied
4 minutes read time.
There was a moment of quiet reflection in the Desmond Tutu Great Hall when attendees were challenged to consider a question many people spend a lifetime avoiding: Who am I beyond the expectations placed upon me by society, family and culture?
It was one of many powerful moments during a Chapters & Conversations session hosted by VUTFM in partnership with the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) on 29 May 2026. Featuring acclaimed author, actress, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Ms Ayanda MaNgubane Borotho, the event offered students, staff and community members an opportunity to engage in an honest conversation about identity, healing, purpose and personal transformation.
Drawing on her bestselling book, Unbecoming to Become: My Journey Back to Self, Ms Borotho shared her deeply personal journey of rediscovering herself after years of living according to expectations that no longer reflected who she truly was.
Facilitated by renowned broadcaster and communications practitioner Ms Thato Belang, the conversation moved beyond the pages of the book and into the realities of everyday life. Participants were encouraged to reflect on who they are beneath the titles they hold, the roles they fulfil and the expectations society places upon them.
Sharing the inspiration behind her book, Ms Borotho revealed that it emerged from one of the most difficult periods of her life.
“From the outside, everything seemed perfect. I was married, raising children, running businesses and acting on one of the country’s biggest television productions. However, internally, I was struggling with a deep sense of sadness and disconnection from myself,” she shared.
For many in attendance, her honesty resonated deeply.
Ms Borotho explained that writing the book became a journey of healing and self-discovery, allowing her to confront inherited beliefs, societal expectations and personal experiences that had shaped her identity.
One of the most poignant moments of the conversation came when she reflected on how easily people lose themselves while trying to be everything for everyone else.
“I was everything to everybody else, but I did not know who I was for myself,” she said.
Throughout the discussion, Ms Borotho explored themes of authenticity, emotional healing, self-worth, womanhood, relationships and the courage required to live truthfully. She challenged attendees to examine the “coats” they carry, identities and beliefs inherited through culture, religion, family expectations and social conditioning.
She encouraged participants to let go of those that no longer serve their growth and personal development.
“Authenticity cannot exist outside of truth. Your power is found in your truth,” she explained.
Another message that resonated strongly with the audience was her distinction between strength and power.
“Strength is a posture of war. Power is a posture of being. When you know who you are, you no longer have to fight to prove your worth; you simply exist in your power,” she said.
Students responded enthusiastically throughout the engagement, sharing reflections and drawing connections between the discussion and their own life experiences.
For Accountancy student Ms Ndivhuwo Ndou, the conversation offered practical lessons that extended far beyond the classroom.
“The programme taught me that I do not need to place so many expectations on friendships, relationships or other people. My biggest takeaway is learning to be myself and to spend time reflecting on who I am, where I am going and what I want for my life,” she said.
The session highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young people can engage in conversations that support emotional wellbeing, self-awareness and personal development alongside their academic journeys.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Acting Station Manager of VUTFM Ms Saneliso Mavuka reflected on the significance of the engagement and the impact it had on those in attendance.
“Today was not simply about a book. Through her journey of unbecoming, Ayanda reminded us that growth often begins when we let go of pain, fear and doubt. This platform was created to encourage meaningful conversations that inspire healing, reflection and personal development,” said Ms Mavuka.
She also expressed appreciation to Ms Borotho for sharing her story with openness and courage, to Ms Belang for facilitating the discussion with insight and depth, and to the VUT and VUTFM teams whose collaboration made the event possible.
As the session concluded with audience questions, book signings and personal interactions with Ms Borotho, it became clear that the event had achieved far more than a discussion about a book. It had sparked meaningful introspection and encouraged participants to embrace the ongoing journey of becoming their authentic selves.
Through initiatives such as Chapters & Conversations, VUTFM and VUT continue to create platforms that enrich the student experience, promote meaningful dialogue and contribute to holistic development beyond the classroom.
For many who attended, the message was simple yet profound: before becoming who the world expects you to be, take the time to discover who you truly are.