“Rand Water spokesperson Ms Makenosi Maroo inspires VUT first-year students by sharing her journey from Sebokeng to professional leadership.”
10 February 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture by: Sifiso Nomzaza
2 minutes read time.
On 4 February 2026, Rand Water spokesperson Ms Makenosi Maroo delivered a compelling address to first-year students at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) during the institution’s 2026 orientation programme. Her message blended professional insight with a deeply personal narrative of perseverance, discipline and self-belief.
Ms Maroo, who has served as Rand Water Spokesperson since 15 August 2022, visited VUT to encourage students as they embark on their academic journey. Speaking candidly, she acknowledged the uncertainty many first-year students experience and reassured them of their capacity to succeed. “Some of you are nervous, but relax, you can do it,” she said. “Your life will be transformed as you build new friendships.”
A native of Sebokeng, Ms Maroo began her studies at VUT in 1993. Reflecting on her student years, she recalled commuting daily by bus while studying alongside peers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including those living in residence and others travelling by car. Despite these contrasts and challenges, she remained focused and resolute, completing her modules cum laude.
Drawing from her own experience, she emphasised that circumstance does not determine destiny, urging students to remain disciplined, resilient and unwavering in pursuit of their goals.
Ms Maroo brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors within the communications and media landscape. Her career includes senior leadership roles such as Chief Director for Stakeholder Relations and Communications at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Director of Communications at Gauteng Treasury, Communications Manager at Sasol Oil, and Marketing Manager at the Motor Finance Corporation. She also served as Operations Communications Manager at Anglo American Platinum in Limpopo prior to joining Rand Water.
Her academic credentials include a National Diploma in Public Relations from VUT, a BTech Degree in Public Relations Management from UNISA, a Master of Business Leadership from the UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership, and a Management Advancement Programme completed at Wits Business School. She is currently conducting research for her postgraduate qualification in Journalism and Media Studies at the Wits Centre for Journalism.
Her speech was a component of VUT’s larger first-year orientation program, which aims to inspire students and give them confidence as they embark on an important chapter in their academic and personal growth. First year public relations student Mr Olebogeng Mothopa said, “Ms Maroo gave me so much courage because I doubted the course because I wanted to do Safety Management, but after the speech, I saw that I did not land here by mistake.” Ms Relebohile Mosito said, “Ms Makenosi gave me so much motivation because my family was discriminating against the course I opted for, but wow, she’s a VUT public relations alumni.