“Chemical Engineering students from VUT gained industry exposure during a SOCHES visit to Rand Water in Vereeniging, bridging theory and practice in water engineering.”
20 May 2026 | Story by: Thomas Rasehloka | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology student structure, Society of Chemical Engineering Students (SOCHES), under the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering (CME) within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), hosted an educational plant visit to Rand Water in Vereeniging on 25 May 2026 for Semester 3 to 5 students.
The initiative aimed to provide students with meaningful industry exposure and practical insight into the working environment of Chemical Engineers, while bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world engineering practice.
Officially launched in March 2026, SOCHES is an academic student structure consisting of 19 dedicated students working closely with academic staff to support fellow students through academic development initiatives, industry exposure programmes, and practical learning opportunities.
The structure continues to play an important role in strengthening student engagement and helping students better understand complex theoretical concepts through peer support and lecturer guidance.
SOCHES also continues to receive strong support from the CME Department. Mr (TBC), Deputy Chairperson of SOCHES, confirmed that: “The department has been fully supportive of the projects brought forward by the structure, and students are responding positively towards the initiative.”
He further explained that additional support from industry and the broader community would assist the structure in expanding its programmes, particularly as some planned activities continue to face financial constraints.
Mr Gadinkosi Dube, Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, also highlighted the department’s support for the initiative and the important role SOCHES plays in strengthening communication between lecturers and students.
“This initiative is also about networking. Sometimes students may feel uncomfortable approaching lecturers when they do not understand certain concepts, but through the society, we are able to identify student challenges and address them accordingly,” he explained.
He further highlighted the role of the department’s Social Outreach Committee (SOC), which assists with community engagement programmes and outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening both student development and social impact.
The plant visit was widely regarded as a valuable learning experience, with Diploma in Chemical Engineering students expressing excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to witness industrial processes firsthand.
One of the attendees, Mr Siboniso Sithole, shared that: “The tour helped bring what we learn in textbooks into real life. This kind of event came at the right time while we are preparing for exams, as it motivates us to work harder and better understand the industry.”
The visit also exposed students to water purification processes, quality management systems, and the broader water value chain within South Africa’s engineering and infrastructure environment.
Mr Victor Hlongwane, Water Quality Facilitator at Rand Water, expressed his enthusiasm in hosting the students and educating them about water quality management processes.
“Teaching people about water quality is very important because water is a basic necessity that must be respected,” he said.
He further explained that the visit helped students understand where Chemical Engineers fit within the water value chain, as Rand Water receives raw water from the Department of Water and Sanitation, purifies it, and distributes clean water to communities.
Rand Water also offers various student development opportunities, which can be accessed through its official website.
For more information regarding opportunities or to support and empower SOCHES through donations, interested individuals may contact Ms Retha on 016 950 9243.