Learners of Ikageng Township visit VUT
Learners of Ikageng Township visit VUT
Learners and teachers from the Botoka Technical High School from Ikageng Township (North West)
Selina Rapulane and Nontobeko Zondi
Learners from the Botoka Technical High School from Ikageng Township (North West) visited the Vaal University of Technology on Thursday, 19 September 2019. The aim of the visit was to give the learners exposure of a university environment and give the current grade 12’s a chance to apply for the 2020 Academic year. The group of learners were from grade 10 to grade 12.
Representatives from Corporate Affairs, Student Recruitment and VUT NSFAS office informed the learners of what is expected of them to be part of the VUT community. This ensured that they understand and be able to enquire about the different courses offered by the institution.
Learners had a chance to visit the laboratories in the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences to see how experiments are conducted by the current students.
Later that day, learners received an opportunity to visit one of VUT’s site of delivery, VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park, situated in Sebokeng, for a short programme.
The programme was directed by Mr Moeketsi Montshitsi: Public Relations Coordinator.
Dr Tozama Qwebani-Ogunleye welcoming learners from Botoka Technical High School
The learners were welcomed by Dr Qwebani Tozama-Ogunleye: Project Manager at Dihlare Remedy. “On behalf of my colleagues, I’d like to welcome you to the Science Park. I remember way back when I was still in school, I used to attend these lecturers for different reasons, and I know that you are also here for different reasons. But one thing that is important is that during these lectures you are pressing a button of excellence. I hope that the information that you will be exposed to, will ignite something in you and will assist you to tap into the greatness that is in you”, declared Dr Tozama. She further talked to the students about being motivated about their studies and embracing self-leadership.
During the programme, there were presentations from Mr Hanyani Makhuvele– Energy Optimisation Unit (EOU); Mr Mooketsi Serapelo – Design and Development; Mr Zacharia Moalahi – I2P/FABLAB; Ms Smatty Mzila – Science Park Wellness; Mr Doubt Mawere – Centre of Footwear Entrepreneurship and Dr Mthunzi – Dihlare Remedy. The different speakers presented on what they do and how their service have impacted their lives, the precinct and the surrounding communities at large.
Mr Hendrik van der Merwe: Operations Manager also took part in getting the learners excited in the future of education when he spoke about The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the changes brought by the revolution. “There are things that you as young people should take cognisance of and tell yourselves that you need to change your way of thinking to compete in this technologically driven world. The future is in your hands”, he said.
After the last speaker of the day, the students were taken on a tour to Additive Manufacturing Department to learn more about 3D Printing and the world that revolves around it. They also got an opportunity to visit the Centre of Footwear Entrepreneurship to learn more about shoe designing and manufacturing, and the machinery required to make shoes.
