“VUT celebrates Spring Graduation, honouring 900+ graduates for their achievements and inspiring them to shape the future with purpose and renewal.”
17 September 2025 | Story By: Staff Reporter | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
2 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently commemorated its Spring Graduation Week from 15 to 17 September, honouring the academic success of more than 900 graduates, including 15 Master’s and 7 PhD recipients across its four faculties: Applied and Computer Sciences, Management Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Human Sciences.
Graduation at VUT is more than a ceremony; it is a tradition rich with meaning. It recognises the dedication of students, the commitment of academics, and the collective pursuit of excellence. It is a moment when years of effort are rewarded and futures are propelled forward.
Among the distinguished PhD graduates is Dr Mokete John Phele, Water Manager at the Ngwathe Local Municipality. His hands-on leadership has placed him on the frontlines of addressing water service delivery, sanitation, and the technical challenges confronting communities. His doctoral achievement is a proud symbol of VUT’s commitment to high-level scholarship and societal impact, standing as a testament to perseverance, rigorous research, and the translation of knowledge into public good.
In his address, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, described the occasion as a “season of renewal,” stressing that the knowledge acquired is not an endpoint but a seed to be nurtured. He urged the Class of 2025 to take their credentials beyond the ceremony and into the world to effect meaningful change.
“This season reminds us that every ending is also a new beginning,” he said. “Like Spring itself, your journey is a renewal of dreams, purpose, and hope. The knowledge you have gained is not a finished story, but a seed. And seeds demand to be planted, nurtured, and allowed to bloom into something greater than themselves.”
Dr Phele’s success, alongside his peers, represents the university’s mission to produce graduates who excel academically while embodying leadership, innovation, and service. Their achievements affirm that VUT nurtures excellence that not only inspires individuals but strengthens communities and contributes to the nation’s intellectual and social advancement.