{"id":34705,"date":"2026-04-14T12:58:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:58:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=34705"},"modified":"2026-04-14T13:03:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T13:03:18","slug":"world-intellectual-property-ip-day-celebration-2026-media-launch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/en_gb\/world-intellectual-property-ip-day-celebration-2026-media-launch\/","title":{"rendered":"World Intellectual Property (IP) Day celebration 2026 media launch"},"content":{"rendered":"

“World IP Day 2026 at VUT highlighted how intellectual property drives innovation, strengthens sport development, and powers South Africa\u2019s knowledge economy.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

14 April 2026 | Story by: Siphiwe Sadiki | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"World<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), hosted the World Intellectual Property Day 2026 media launch under the theme \u201cIntellectual Property Powers the Future of Sports.\u201d The event took place at the VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng on 09 April 2026, bringing together leaders from academia, government, law, and sport to examine the role of intellectual property in driving innovation and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme, directed by Mr Thabo Kgole, Intellectual Property Manager at VUT and Founder and Director of TK Attorneys Inc., set a purposeful tone for the engagement. Drawing on his extensive expertise across intellectual property strategy, governance, commercialisation, and legal frameworks, he underscored the importance of protecting innovation. He noted that innovation, when left unprotected, risks losing its value, and emphasised that platforms of this nature ensure ideas are not only created but effectively secured and commercialised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proceedings formally commenced with an address by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of VUT, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, whose leadership spans higher education governance, institutional transformation, and national policy contribution. Reflecting on the broader role of universities, he highlighted that institutions that thrive are those able to integrate knowledge, innovation, and leadership in ways that respond meaningfully to societal needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was followed by Advocate Rory Voller, Commissioner of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), who reinforced the strategic importance of intellectual property within the economy. He emphasised its central role in unlocking economic value while safeguarding innovation across sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme continued with contributions from Mr Thabang Jase and Mr Teboho Saseng, who reflected on leadership, organisational excellence, and the importance of strategic thinking in advancing both institutional and industry growth. Ms Nomonde Maimela added a critical perspective on professional practice, highlighting the<\/p>\n\n\n\n

importance of empowerment, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility within innovation-driven environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation gained further depth with insights from Mr Aaron Mokoena, former Bafana Bafana captain, whose distinguished football career includes over 100 international caps and leadership at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Drawing parallels between sport and innovation, he reflected that sustained success is built on discipline, resilience, and strong leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanding on performance systems in sport, Mr Grant van Velden, Head of High Performance at Cricket South Africa, highlighted the role of science, data, and structured systems in achieving excellence. He noted that high performance is not incidental, but the result of continuous refinement and evidence-based practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offering a legal and commercial perspective, Ms Tumelo Mashabela, patent attorney and founder of Tshaya Mashabela Attorneys, emphasised the value of intellectual property as a strategic asset. She described it as the mechanism through which innovation is translated into sustainable economic value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Grant Panter, Managing Director of Peak Timing, brought a technological lens to the discussion, reflecting on how innovation continues to reshape the sporting landscape. He highlighted the role of technology in enhancing both athlete performance and the broader experience of sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dynamic panel discussion featuring Mr Aaron Mokoena, Mr Grant van Velden, Ms Tumelo Mashabela, and Mr Grant Panter explored the intersection of intellectual property, technology, and sport. The panel examined how innovation is transforming athlete development, fan engagement, and the commercialisation of sport, while reinforcing the importance of protecting intellectual assets in an increasingly competitive global environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Professor Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation (RICI) at VUT. He expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders, noting that collaboration remains central to advancing innovation and shaping the future of both sport and society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The engagement reflected a powerful convergence of leadership, expertise, and vision. It reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening intellectual property systems, deepening partnerships, and driving meaningful impact across sectors, positioning innovation as a critical lever for South Africa\u2019s knowledge economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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