“VUT celebrates one of its distinguished alumni whose journey from VUT to international academic leadership exemplifies the university’s legacy of inspiring thought, shaping talent, and transforming society”
08 July 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane| Picture: Supplied.
5 minutes read time.
As the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) celebrates 60 years of Inspiring Thought and Shaping Talent, the stories of its graduates continue to demonstrate the University’s lasting impact on society. Among them is Ms Brightness Mangolothi, an academic, strategic communication specialist and transformation leader whose work in diversity, equity and inclusion is influencing higher education in South Africa and beyond.
Her journey reflects the transformative power of education and the opportunities created through determination, lifelong learning and a commitment to serving others.
A proud VUT alumna, Ms Mangolothi holds three qualifications from the University: a National Diploma in Public Relations Management, a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Public Relations Management and a BTech in Post School Education Management. She credits VUT with providing the knowledge, confidence and practical experience that laid the foundation for a career spanning more than two decades.
After beginning her career at Sasol, she returned to higher education, first as a lecturer and later in leadership positions that continued to expand her influence. Her career has included roles at VUT, Rosebank College and Nelson Mandela University (NMU), where she served as Head of Department. She also led the Higher Education Resource Services South Africa (HERS-SA), supporting the development of women leaders in higher education.
Today, she is Director of the Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), where she leads initiatives that promote institutional transformation, equity and inclusion.
Beyond her university leadership, Ms Mangolothi has remained committed to professional service. She previously served as Chairperson of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) branch at NMU and contributed to the public relations profession as Eastern Cape Regional Chairperson and Board Member of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA).
Her passion for developing others also led her to establish Litmus Consultancy, through which she provides leadership, communication and transformation consulting to organisations across different sectors.
Her contribution has earned both national and international recognition. She was named the Sunday World Heroic Woman in Education in 2025 and was recognised as a Standard Bank Rising Star
finalist. She has also been invited to speak at universities and conferences in the United Kingdom, Kenya, Uganda and the United States, including the G20 Seminar on Gender Transformative Education. Alongside this work, she continues to publish academic research, contribute to scholarly books and supervise postgraduate students.
A university experience that shaped her future
Looking back, Ms Mangolothi says VUT offered much more than an academic qualification.
Contributing to the student newsletter and later writing for a Sasol publication introduced her to the power of communication and storytelling. Those experiences strengthened the practical skills she would later use throughout her career.
Equally important was the University’s diverse student community.
Studying with classmates from different provinces, cultures and African countries broadened her perspective and nurtured the values that continue to shape her work today.
“My university experience was far more than an academic journey; it was a transformative period of personal growth, discovery and the shaping of my worldview,” she says. “It taught me that education is not merely the accumulation of information but the cultivation of wisdom, empathy and critical consciousness.”
Finding opportunity where she least expected it
Interestingly, VUT was not part of her original plan.
After applying elsewhere, she found herself registering at VUT, where a staff member recognised her academic potential and encouraged her to pursue her studies. That moment changed the direction of her life.
Moving from Soweto to study independently challenged her to grow personally and professionally. Educational visits to organisations such as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and South African Breweries (SAB) connected classroom learning with industry, while involvement in the PRISA Student Chapter strengthened her leadership skills and expanded her professional network.
She says those experiences taught her that university is about far more than preparing for employment. It is about developing character, purpose and the confidence to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Proud of VUT’s progress
Watching her alma mater grow over the years has filled her with pride.
She believes VUT has strengthened its reputation through research, innovation, industry partnerships and a commitment to addressing real societal challenges. She also applauds the University’s growing focus on digital transformation, entrepreneurship and student success.
As VUT celebrates its 60th anniversary, she believes it is well positioned to build even stronger partnerships with industry, government, alumni and communities while embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence responsibly and inclusively.
“The future of higher education will depend on institutions that nurture wellbeing, encourage diversity of thought, celebrate inclusion and create spaces where all students can thrive,” she says.
Paying the VUT legacy forward
Despite her international achievements, Ms Mangolothi remains passionate about giving back to the institution that helped shape her journey.
She hopes to mentor students, support alumni initiatives and inspire young people to recognise education as a powerful tool for transformation.
For her, giving back is not simply about gratitude. It is about creating opportunities for others to succeed.
“Each act of guidance becomes a ripple that reaches beyond the campus, touching families, communities and society. Education is not only the pursuit of knowledge but the cultivation of dignity, responsibility and transformation.”
Her message to current and future VUT students is equally heartfelt. While earning a qualification is important, she believes students should also invest in developing leadership, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness and professional networks that will sustain them throughout their lives.
“Do not come to university merely to earn a qualification; come to cultivate different forms of capital that will serve you for life.”
As VUT marks six decades of transforming lives, Ms Mangolothi’s journey stands as a powerful example of the University’s enduring legacy. From a young student searching for opportunity to an internationally respected leader advancing diversity, inclusion and social justice, she continues to demonstrate how VUT graduates are shaping institutions, empowering communities and making a lasting difference across the world.