{"id":40680,"date":"2026-08-12T11:22:30","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T11:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=40680"},"modified":"2026-08-13T09:37:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T09:37:54","slug":"vut-equips-student-leaders-to-strengthen-safety-and-wellbeing-in-residences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/en_gb\/vut-equips-student-leaders-to-strengthen-safety-and-wellbeing-in-residences\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT equips student leaders to strengthen safety and wellbeing in residences"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT equips student leaders and residence staff to improve safety, wellbeing, financial awareness and substance misuse prevention in student accommodation.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 August 2026 | Story by: Tayron Mhlongo | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\"SAC<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ms Faith Mocoanceong addresses participants during the SAC Living and Learning Student Capacity Development Programme.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A safe, supportive and well-managed residence environment is essential for student success. Recognising the important role of student leaders and residence staff, the Student Accommodation and Catering (SAC) Living and Learning Department hosted a Student Capacity Development Programme on 7 August 2026 at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Conference Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme brought together interim student representatives, residence managers, members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) Housing and Catering portfolio, VUT Paramedics and representatives from Student Support Services (SSS) Student Counselling. The engagement provided a platform to discuss challenges affecting students living in University residences and accredited private accommodation, and to explore practical solutions through collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme emphasised that effective student accommodation depends on the shared commitment of students, residence managers, landlords, student representatives and the University. Each stakeholder has a role in ensuring that students live in environments that are safe, supportive and conducive to learning, while meeting the required accommodation standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In her opening address, Ms Faith Mocoancoeng, Manager of the Welfare and Victim Empowerment Centre, highlighted the importance of ensuring that students feel safe and supported so that they can participate fully in teaching and learning. She further stressed that accredited accommodation providers must fulfil their service level obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur responsibility is also to ensure that the accredited properties or student accommodations being paid for cater to what they have signed as service providers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her remarks reinforced the need for accountability among accommodation providers and highlighted the importance of students understanding the services and standards to which they are entitled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interim house committee leaders were identified as a vital link between students, landlords and the SAC Living and Learning Department. In this role, they help to ensure that student concerns are reported, escalated and addressed appropriately. Their responsibilities also include advocating for students, helping to resolve problems and supporting the wellbeing of fellow students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another key component of the programme was a presentation by ICAN4IR representatives on substance abuse and binge drinking among young people. The discussion highlighted the effects of alcohol and substance misuse on students\u2019 health, relationships, safety, academic performance and future opportunities. Participants were encouraged to make responsible decisions, support their peers and seek professional assistance when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme also addressed financial discipline, with students encouraged to develop responsible budgeting habits and manage their money carefully. Mr Thato Padi emphasised the importance of financial planning, stating: \u201cA budget can save you in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The involvement of VUT Paramedics and SSS Student Counselling added a critical wellbeing and safety dimension to the programme. Participants gained practical guidance on how to respond to medical concerns, support students in distress and refer cases to the appropriate professional services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feedback from participants demonstrated the value of the engagement. Ms Anele Mncube from Louisville Student Accommodation said: \u201cWe learned a lot about binge drinking, substance abuse and ways to navigate medical-related issues. I am grateful for this opportunity because, as house committee members, we were able to get to know one another and support each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Madiphapang Lesemela, Facility Manager at Ha Mantsi Residence, described the programme as insightful and stressed the importance of sharing the lessons with students who could not attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday was very insightful. We need to go back and share with other students in the residence who could not make it here today,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative by the SAC Living and Learning Department demonstrated the value of investing in student leadership and residence personnel. During VUT\u2019s 60th anniversary year, the programme affirms the University\u2019s commitment to creating a student-centred environment in which safety, wellbeing and academic success are shared responsibilities. It also advances the vision of Strategy 2033+ for an inclusive, responsive and future-focused University community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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