The Diamond Jubilee Approaches
Six decades of shaping futures. Join us as we celebrate this historic milestone.
Full event programme will be announced soon.
Our Journey
Explore our journey through six decades of excellence (1966–2026)

First Decade (1966–1976) – Foundation and early development

Second Decade (1976–1986) – Institutional growth

Third Decade (1986–1996) – Expansion of programmes and sites. Inauguration of the Gold Fields Library in 1986

Fourth Decade (1996–2006) – Transformation and transition to VUT

Fifth Decade (2006–2016) – Growth as a University of Technology and celebration of the 50th Anniversary and new brand launch.

Sixth Decade (2016–2026) – Innovation and the road to 60 years
Milestones That Shaped Our Journey
Key achievements and defining moments that highlight growth, impact, and progress over the years
The Vaal Triangle College for Advanced Technical Education established at Vanderbijlpark
Minister of Education, Arts and Science inaugurates the College on 22 September
Dr Isak Steyl is appointed Director of the Institution
Student intake doubled, and a new library, gymnasium, laboratories, lecture halls and new Department of Commerce and Management wing built
Student enrolment reaches 3,000 with staff of 137
The Vaal Triangle College for Advanced Technical Education becomes the Vaal Triangle Technikon
Vesco donates a further 22 hectares to the institution for building expansions
The Gold Fields Library is completed
The first site of delivery established at Secunda
Dr Isak Steyl retires after 20 years of service
Of the Technikon’s 8,000 registered students 75% are white, and 25% are black
A new site of delivery established at Klerksdorp, opening in January 1994
The Faculty of Engineering and Technology appoints its first black lecturer, Mr Simon Mokoena
Two additional sites of delivery established – at Upington, and Ekurhuleni
Degree programmes are introduced and the first B Tech degree is awarded
The new SRC Constitution is adopted, and a new 12 member, all black SRC is elected
The first Master’s degree is awarded – Magister Technologiae in Electrical Engineering
Student enrolment reaches 14,627, of whom 63.4% are black
The Vaal Triangle Technikon becomes the first tertiary institution in South Africa to adopt its own Transformation Charter
The first doctorates awarded in the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences and the Faculty of Management Sciences
The first ever Honorary Doctorate in Humanities awarded to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
The Vaal Triangle Technikon officially becomes the Vaal University of Technology
VUT appoints its first woman Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof IN Moutlana
The Next Generation of Scholars Programme is developed and implemented to foster research and build the future black academics
The Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park launched in Sebokeng
Student numbers reach 19 280 The SA Board for
People Practices declares VUT the best university in South Africa in Human Resource Standards alignment
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) claimed their 11th University Sport South Africa (USSA) basketball title
VUT continued its leadership and governance renewal phase, including council and institutional alignment processes
Launch of Green Hydrogen Centre (Science Park)
VUT launches the TV White Space (TVWS) Proof of Concept Project at Isak Steyl Stadium.
Our Leaders
The Principals and Vice-Chancellors who have shaped our academic direction since 1966.
Dr Isak Steyl was appointed as the Rector of Vaal Triangle Technikon in South Africa in 1979-1991
In 1989, at the Diploma Ceremonies, Dr Isak Steyl was awarded the highest honour ever bestowed to anyone by the Vaal Triangle Technikon: the Honorary Fellowship, which had just been instituted by the Technikon Council to give recognition for distinguished work of special merit in the field of education and for service to the South African Community.




Professor Pieter du Plessis was appointed as the Rector of Vaal Triangle Technikon in South Africa in 1 May 1991-1992
"This Technikon endeavours to be a progressive tertiary educational insitution committed to producing career qualified people for South Africa."




Professor Irene was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in South Africa in 2007.
Professor Irene Moutlana appointed VUT's first female Vice Chancellor




Professor Khehla Ndlovu was appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Vaal University of Technology in 2024 and currently serves in this role.
Prof Ndlovu’s reputation as a forward-thinking academic and administrator precedes him, and the VUT community is eager to witness the positive transformations that are expected to unfold under his leadership.













See the Transformation
Real progress, real results. Explore before-and-after moments that showcase the journey, growth, and impact on the road to 60.












VUT Today
A vibrant community of over 23000 students and 1600 staff, driving innovation through 4 faculties and 39 programmes, with an undergraduate success rate of 84%
Want to dive deeper into the archives?
Visit the permanent VUT History page for detailed timelines, full leadership lists, and historical documents.








