“VUT will host the U6+ Vice-Chancellors’ meeting in 2027 and the Consortium’s international conference in 2028, strengthening African partnerships.”
17 September 2026 | Story by: Student Reporter | Picture: Supplied
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has secured the honour of hosting the U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference in 2028, positioning the University at the centre of one of Africa’s most significant higher education collaborations.
The achievement was confirmed during the 10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference, hosted by the University of Eldoret in Kenya from 8 to 11 September 2026. As part of the road to the conference, VUT will also host the Consortium’s Vice-Chancellors’ strategic meeting in 2027, providing an opportunity to help shape the direction of the network ahead of the 2028 gathering.
For VUT, hosting both events represents a significant vote of confidence in the institution’s growing contribution to research, innovation, internationalisation and continental collaboration. It will also provide an opportunity to showcase the University’s academic strengths, deepen partnerships with peer institutions and welcome higher education leaders from across Africa to its campuses.
Professor Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation (RICI), described the decision as an important milestone for the University.
“Being entrusted with the 2028 conference is both an honour and a responsibility. It places VUT in a strong position to deepen research partnerships across Africa and contribute to solutions rooted in the continent’s knowledge, realities and aspirations. Hosting the Vice-Chancellors’ meeting in 2027 will allow us to begin laying a strong foundation for 2028,” said Professor Nelana.
The U6+ Consortium brings together 11 universities from across the African continent, creating a platform for collaborative research, knowledge exchange and joint responses to development challenges.
Member institutions include the University of Eldoret, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Kwara State University, the University of The Gambia, the University of Cape Coast, the University of Ilorin, the University of Abuja, the Federal University of Technology, Al-Hikmah University, the University of Calabar and VUT.
Through this network, institutions work together to advance research, innovation and capacity-building while promoting African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges. VUT’s selection as host of the 2028 conference reflects the University’s active role within the Consortium and its growing reputation as a partner of choice in higher education collaboration.
The 2026 conference was held under the theme, “Africa and the Fifth Industrial Revolution: Inclusive Innovation, Indigenous and Citizen Science for Sustainable Transformation.”
Leading the VUT delegation was Professor Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal. He was accompanied by Professor Simphiwe Nelana; Ms Yonela Tukwayo, Executive Director: Marketing and Communications; Ms Ndumi Lufele, Director: Stakeholder Relations; Ms Maureen Rathopo, Manager in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor; and members of the Corporate Communications team.
Addressing delegates, Professor Ndlovu challenged African universities to ensure that the continent does not remain a passive consumer of technologies developed elsewhere.
“Our ambition must be to move from being consumers to creators, innovators and contributors,” he said.
He emphasised that universities have a responsibility to strengthen research and innovation, equip graduates with future-focused skills and transform knowledge into practical solutions that improve lives across the continent.
In addition to participating in strategic discussions, VUT academics contributed to the conference programme through research presentations addressing key social, environmental and governance challenges facing African communities.
Mr David Matsaung, Lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Integrated Communication and Deputy President of the VUT Convocation, presented research on mentorship at a boys’ shelter as an example of engaged scholarship. The study found that structured mentorship positively contributed to participants’ confidence, psychosocial well-being, educational motivation, behavioural development and interpersonal relationships.
Dr Xitshembhiso Chauke, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Marketing, Retail Business and Sport Management, presented research examining how green technologies can advance environmental and economic sustainability within South African manufacturing companies. The findings highlighted the role of innovation and circular-economy practices in creating long-term sustainable value.
Mr Abba Walker Masungini, Lecturer in the Department of Accountancy, explored the influence of public-sector regulation on the strategic competitiveness of state-owned
enterprises. His research highlighted the balance between strengthened governance and the need for greater operational efficiency within public institutions.
The presentations reflected VUT’s commitment to producing research that responds to real-world challenges while contributing to Africa’s social, economic and environmental development.
As preparations begin for the Vice-Chancellors’ meeting in 2027 and the international conference in 2028, VUT is set to play an increasingly influential role in advancing collaboration among African universities.
Hosting the U6+ Consortium events will provide a platform to strengthen research partnerships, promote knowledge exchange and showcase African scholarship on an international stage. It will also position VUT as a convening hub for discussions that shape the future of higher education, innovation and sustainable development across the continent.
For VUT, the journey to 2028 is about more than hosting a conference. It is about bringing Africa’s leading scholars and university leaders together, amplifying knowledge produced on the continent and helping ensure that African universities