Ambassador Maria Del Rosario Mina Rojas, the Colombian Ambassador to South Africa, visited the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) delegation at the VUT Council Chambers on 13 November 2024 to further international collaboration and community development. The VUT delegation included Professor Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Dr Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation; Professor Christa Grobler, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning; Mr S’celo Mahlalela, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Resources and Operations; Mr Joseph Radebe, Acting Director: Community Engagement; and Mr Vido Kungune, Acting Director: Internationalisation. This visit marked an important follow-up to an initial meeting held in February 2024, where areas for potential partnerships were first explored.

South Africa and Colombia share notable similarities in their histories and societal challenges, with both countries facing issues such as food security, gender-based violence, and the need for women’s empowerment. Recognising these shared struggles, Her Excellency Mina Rojas has championed several initiatives in South Africa, including impactful efforts within the Boipatong community. Under her leadership, the Colombian Embassy facilitated the donation of sewing machines and coordinated training programmes for women in Boipatong, aiming to equip them with sustainable skills that provide economic empowerment and contribute to their social and psychological well-being.

The Ambassador’s engagement with VUT reflects a shared vision of collaborating with higher education institutions to promote community upliftment and knowledge exchange. VUT, as a leading institution in South Africa’s academic landscape, has been identified as an ideal partner in achieving these goals. Following discussions in February, VUT identified potential university partners in Colombia with similar areas of interest. Of the seven institutions approached, one has already committed, and both parties are now in the final stages of formalising an agreement.

During the recent visit, Ambassador Mina Rojas and VUT leaders explored collaborative opportunities in areas such as agriculture, food security, nutrition, health, fashion, healing and self-care, and hospitality. These fields were chosen for their alignment with social and economic needs in both South Africa and Colombia, underscoring a shared vision of community-focused development.

Looking ahead, VUT and the Colombian Embassy plan to draft a concept note by early next year. This document will define the scope of their collaboration and guide the development of a comprehensive action plan. VUT has also been invited to participate in an upcoming South African presidential visit to Colombia in early 2025—an opportunity to enhance its academic and community engagement initiatives on an international platform and deepen ties in higher education between the two nations.

Upon completion of the concept note, VUT and the Colombian Embassy will collaborate on an action plan to lay the groundwork for practical, community-focused initiatives. This partnership exemplifies a mutual commitment to transformative education, community development, and cross-cultural collaboration, embodying the spirit of global solidarity and advancing VUT’s internationalisation agenda.