“VUT unveils three student-designed mascot contenders during its 60th anniversary celebrations. Staff, students and stakeholders can vote until 23 October 2026.”
22 October 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
After six decades, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is preparing to introduce its first official mascot, with its community choosing the character that will represent the institution.
Three shortlisted student-designed mascots and their proposed names were unveiled at the VUT Amphitheatre on 16 October 2026. The event marked a milestone in the University’s 60th anniversary celebrations, placing student creativity and participation at the heart of its evolving identity.
Staff, students and stakeholders have been invited to vote for their favourite contender. Voting opened at 14:00 on 16 October and closes at 12:00 on 23 October 2026. The design receiving the most votes will become the official VUT mascot.
The unveiling followed a week of campus activations led by the Mascot Champions, a group of students who encouraged their peers to participate in the campaign. Their dance performances and lively interactions with the crowd brought energy to the occasion, making the reveal a celebration of student life.
Welcoming attendees, Ms Yonela Tukwayo, Executive Director: Marketing and Communications, said the initiative would introduce a character that the University community could identify with and embrace.
“We are looking for our own character that will bring life to our activities, to our events, sports, our graduations and so on. So this is a character that will represent you,” she said.
The mascot is expected to become a familiar presence at institutional events, helping to strengthen recognition, pride and a shared sense of identity.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, reflected on the mascot’s potential to foster belonging. He acknowledged that, alongside the excitement of entering university, some students experience uncertainty about finding their place in an unfamiliar environment.
“Our mascot can help give us a sense of belonging,” he said, adding that it could “start a conversation” and “bring people together”.
His message highlighted the importance of relationships and shared experiences in shaping university life. The mascot could become a symbol connecting students across programmes, activities and generations.
All three shortlisted designs were created by VUT students pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design. The competition provided an opportunity for them to apply their skills to a project with a lasting institutional presence.
According to Ms Tukwayo, the winning designer will receive R10 000, while the other two shortlisted designers will each receive R5 000.
The initiative also supports VUT’s Strategy 2033+, particularly its emphasis on enhancing the student experience and strengthening institutional identity.
For final-year Sports Management student Ms Dikeledi Makhafola, the mascot offers an opportunity to build enthusiasm around university sport and make VUT more recognisable at University Sport South Africa competitions and campus events.
“Finally, we will have that one face that everyone can rally behind on game day. It’s going to bring so much energy to sports, orientation and open days, more especially during Rhino Week,” she said.
Following the vote, the winning design will enter a manufacturing process expected to take approximately two to three months. The costumed mascot is anticipated to make its debut in 2027. The University also plans to hold auditions for individuals who will bring the character to life at events.
Under the campaign message, “Your Mascot. Your Voice. Your Legacy,” the VUT community now has an opportunity to help shape a symbol of its future.
Vote for your favourite mascot before 12:00 on 23 October 2026 and help choose the face of VUT.