“After years of performing at VUT graduation ceremonies as a member of the VUT Choir, Lesedi Kaira stepped onto the stage as a graduate himself, earning a Diploma in Public Relations Management.”
16 September 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
For years, Mr Lesedi Kaira has been a familiar face at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) graduation ceremonies. As a member of the VUT Choir, he helped create the atmosphere of celebration that accompanies one of the most important days in a student’s life, performing as proud graduates crossed the stage to receive their qualifications.
During VUT’s Spring Graduation ceremonies on 14 September 2026, however, the experience was very different.
This time, Mr Kaira was not singing from the choir stand. Instead, he was one of the graduates being celebrated.
Mr Kaira graduated with a Diploma in Public Relations Management, marking a proud personal milestone and bringing full circle a journey that had seen him play a role in many graduation ceremonies before becoming a graduate himself.
Reflecting on his decision to study at VUT, Mr Kaira said he was drawn to the University’s Public Relations Management programme because of his interest in communication, media and public engagement. Although he received acceptance offers from other institutions after matric, VUT ultimately felt like the right choice.
“VUT chose me,” he said.
That decision proved to be the start of a rewarding university journey, one that allowed him to grow academically while also becoming an active member of campus life through the VUT Choir.
As he reflected on graduating, Mr Kaira admitted that the significance of the moment left him almost speechless.
“I have run out of words. I am so excited and emotional at the same time,” he said.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the lecturers who supported him throughout his studies, particularly Dr Kumbirai Mwadiwa, Ms Bongi Mokaeane and Mr David Matsaung, whose guidance contributed to his academic success.
For Mr Kaira, being both a student and a member of the VUT Choir allowed him to experience university life from different perspectives. While the choir gave him an opportunity to contribute to
some of the University’s most memorable occasions, his studies equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the communications field.
Looking back on his journey, he believes success is built on consistency and discipline, even when challenges arise.
“Resilience is power. Perseverance is power. Self-discipline is power,” he said.
He encouraged fellow students to remain focused on their goals, trust the process and never lose sight of where they come from.
As VUT celebrates its Spring Graduations, Mr Kaira’s story serves as a reminder that every graduate has a unique journey. Having spent years helping others celebrate their achievements through song, he now has a reason to celebrate his own achievement, not from the choir stand, but from the graduation stage itself.