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  • English
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Donate to VUT
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Ethics and Fraud Hotline
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Introducing the University
      • Welcome
      • Vision, Mission and Values
      • History
      • Strategic Plan
      • Facts and Figures
      • Annual Report
      • Policies
      • Partnerships
    • University Leadership
      • Chancellor
      • Desk of the Vice-Chancellor
      • Executive Management
      • Council
      • Senate
      • Student Representative Council (SRC)
    • Support Services
      • Co-operative Education
      • Human Resources
      • Internationalisation
      • IT Services
      • Marketing and Communication
      • Quality Promotion Unit
      • Registrar
    • + More Support Services
      • Centre for Academic Development
      • Student Support Services
      • Social Justice and Transformation
      • Supply Chain Management
      • Quality Promotion Unit
      • Institutional HIV and AIDS Unit
      • Occupational Health and Safety Department
      • Resource Mobilisation
      • Programme Accreditation Curriculum Development Unit
  • Study at VUT
    • Study With Us
      • Undergraduate Studies
      • Postgraduate Studies
      • How to apply
      • International Student
      • Student Counselling
      • Accommodation
    • Fees and Funding
      • Fees
      • Financial Aid & Bursaries
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      • Faculty of Engineering and Technology
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Vaal University of Technology 60th logo
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Ethics and Fraud Hotline
Ethics and Fraud Hotline
VUT labour relations students gain insight from labour inspector

VUT labour relations students gain insight from labour inspector

March 10, 2026
On the road to 60: VUT opens doors of opportunity for Vaal High School learners

On the road to 60: VUT opens doors of opportunity for Vaal High School learners

March 10, 2026
Five lanes forward: Prof Oosthuizen’s journey to Associate Professor

Five lanes forward: Prof Oosthuizen’s journey to Associate Professor

March 10, 2026
VUT Associate Professor elected to NTRF Board

VUT Associate Professor elected to NTRF Board

March 10, 2026
AI Can Read the Data. PR Reads the Room

AI Can Read the Data. PR Reads the Room

March 3, 2026
OUTsurance Imali Yam empowers VUT first years

OUTsurance Imali Yam empowers VUT first years

March 3, 2026
VUT brings hope to Matwala’s Children’s Home

VUT brings hope to Matwala’s Children’s Home

March 3, 2026
F’SASEC hosts entrepreneurship information session

F’SASEC launches 2026 community electrical training project in Sharpeville

March 2, 2026
F’SASEC hosts entrepreneurship information session

F’SASEC hosts entrepreneurship information session

March 2, 2026
From scholarship to strategy: Prof Chili’s journey to Associate Professor

From scholarship to strategy: Prof Chili’s journey to Associate Professor

March 2, 2026
VUT webinar tackles consumer trust and SA economy

VUT webinar tackles consumer trust and SA economy

February 24, 2026
A PhD candidate from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), Mr Moshe Mello, recently achieved a significant milestone by securing second place for Thothotho Distillery at the highly competitive National SMME Intellectual Property Commercialisation Workshop, held from 18 to 20 February 2026 at Sun City. Reflecting on his participation, Mr Mello described the workshop as both rigorous and transformative. “The workshop was an incredible experience. It brought together innovators from across South Africa, and the level of competition was intense. Being the only representative from VUT strengthened my resolve to showcase the commercial potential of Thothotho Premium Gin.” The workshop was hosted by the Swedish Embassy through the Swiss Partnership, in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and the National Intellectual Property Management Office(NIPMO). It focused on equipping entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises with strategies to leverage intellectual property as a driver of business growth. “The sessions on IP portfolio management, licensing and valuation were eye opening,” Mr Mello no ed. “I realised that intellectual property is not merely about protection. It is a strategic income stream capable of shaping the long-term trajectory of a business.” During the pitching competition, Mr Mello presented Thothotho Premium Gin, outlining the distillery’s commercialisation journey, brand protection measures and expansion strategy. He demonstrated how research, innovation and strategic branding translate into measurable commercial value. The presentation further explored licensing models and strategic partnerships, emphasising how IP ownership can generate sustainable asset value for the enterprise. The announcement of second place marked a defining moment. “Hearing our name called was surreal,” Mr Mello reflected. “It validated the vision behind Thothotho Distillery and confirmed that our commercialisation and IP strategy are aligned with industry best practice.” Beyond the accolade, the experience prompted deeper reflection on institutional innovation pathways. Mr Mello observed how universities and research institutions globally leverage intellectual property to build equity positions in major corporations. This insight, he explained, aligns closely with the strategic ambitions articulated in VUT’s long term vision, particularly in strengthening commercialisation frameworks to support sustainable institutional growth. Looking ahead, Mr Mello intends to apply these insights to future initiatives. “I now have a clearer perspective on structuring university spin offs, refining IP valuation strategies and building innovation ecosystems linked to research outputs. Aligning research with commercial strategy is no longer optional. It is essential for meaningful impact.” In closing, he encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurial thinking. “In South Africa’s current economic climate, entrepreneurship is critical. With youth unemployment remaining high, students must begin to see themselves not only as job seekers but as job creators. Leveraging intellectual property and innovation can unlock sustainable business opportunities and contribute to economic renewal.

VUT PhD candidate secures second place for Thothotho Distillery

February 24, 2026
F’SASEC hosts Open Day for Electrical Engineering students

F’SASEC hosts Open Day for Electrical Engineering students

February 24, 2026
Vaal University of Technology launched its Road to 60 with a vibrant Kick-Off Festival, welcoming first-years and setting the tone for its 60th anniversary year.

VUT roars into 60th year with energising “Road to 60” Kick Off Festival

February 24, 2026
VUT elevates 60 top learners as MaVuti Ambassadors in landmark 60-year legacy initiative

VUT elevates 60 top learners as MaVuti Ambassadors in landmark 60-year legacy initiative

February 24, 2026
VUT strengthens academic excellence through mentorship and coaching

VUT strengthens academic excellence through mentorship and coaching

February 24, 2026
From Scholar to Research and Innovation Leader: Prof Simphiwe Nelana’s Journey to Associate Professor

From Scholar to Research and Innovation Leader: Prof Simphiwe Nelana’s Journey to Associate Professor

February 24, 2026
VUT hosts business management short learning programme for African students

VUT hosts business management short learning programme for African students

February 17, 2026
Youth voices lead multilingual future at VUT

Youth voices lead multilingual future at VUT

February 17, 2026
Engineering her own path: Mmatshepo Maina on leadership, enterprise and legacy

Engineering her own path: Mmatshepo Maina on leadership, enterprise and legacy

February 17, 2026
Mr Thabo Utloa: From VUT graduate to industry leader

Mr Thabo Utloa: From VUT graduate to industry leader

February 17, 2026
VUT showcases readiness to host 2026 National Science Month launch

VUT showcases readiness to host 2026 National Science Month launch

February 17, 2026
VUT researchers engage leadership on strengthening research funding and policy

VUT researchers engage leadership on strengthening research funding and policy

February 10, 2026
VUT advances smart campus innovation with automated lawn mower demonstration

VUT advances smart campus innovation with automated lawn mower demonstration

February 10, 2026
1 2 … 17 Next →


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