“VUT Ekhaya Alumni gathered at Pecanwood Golf and Country Club in Hartbeespoort, reconnecting, sharing career journeys and inspiring future VUT students.”
17 March 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
4 minutes read time.
The VUT Ekhaya Alumni programme continued to strengthen bonds within its growing alumni community during a memorable visit to the Tseleme Social Club in Hartbeespoort on 13 March 2026. Hosted at the Pecanwood Golf and Country Club in the North West Province, the gathering brought together proud graduates of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to reconnect, reflect on their journeys and celebrate the role the University played in shaping their careers.
The visit was led by Mr Lekopane Mokonopi, organiser of the Tseleme Social Club and a VUT alumnus who graduated in 2004 with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Power). Today, he serves as Head of Plant Engineering for the Tshwane Zone at Eskom, a role that reflects years of dedication, technical expertise and leadership in the energy sector.
Reflecting on his student years, Mr Mokonopi spoke warmly about the time he spent in the electrical laboratory at VUT. “The practical training we received at VUT prepared us for the realities of the engineering industry. The time we spent in the laboratories was not just about theory, it built the confidence and technical understanding that many of us still rely on in our careers today,” said Mokonopi.
He expressed sincere appreciation for the role VUT played in opening doors for him and many other graduates. During his time as a student, he regarded the institution as one of the leading engineering schools in the country, producing graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to industry.
Mr Mokonopi also recalled the importance of student leadership and campus activities in shaping his confidence and sense of responsibility. Looking ahead, he believes that VUT graduates will continue to play a significant role in advancing industry and contributing to the broader development of South Africa.
Sharing a message for current and future students, he encouraged perseverance and discipline. Engineering students in particular, he said, must remain focused on their ambitions and continue pushing forward even when the path becomes difficult. Determination and passion for the field remain essential ingredients for success.
He also shared his hopes for the future growth of the University. Reflecting on the institution’s journey from its origins as Vaal Technikon in 1966 to its evolution into the Vaal University of Technology, he expressed a strong wish to see the establishment of a dedicated business school at VUT, a development he believes would further strengthen the institution’s academic offering.
Following the discussions, alumni members participated in a friendly golf session organised by the Tseleme Social Club. The relaxed setting created space for meaningful
conversations as graduates exchanged stories from their student days and celebrated the enduring bond formed during their time at VUT.
Another alumnus in attendance, Mr Kgoetseyone Motsamai, also shared reflections on his journey. He studied at the institution in 2001 when it was still known as the Vaal Triangle campus, completing a Diploma in Marketing Management before later registering for a BTech in Marketing Management.
Although he did not complete the BTech qualification due to personal circumstances, he explained that his time at the institution played a defining role in shaping both his career and personal outlook. Today, he works as a Customer Care Manager at KIC South Africa while also running his own business.
Mr Motsamai fondly remembered the vibrant student life at VUT and the friendships that formed during those years. “My time at VUT shaped who I am today. The friendships, the campus culture and the lessons we learned along the way helped me build the confidence to pursue both my corporate career and my entrepreneurial ambitions,” said Motsamai.
Seeing fellow students succeed and graduate also motivated him to pursue his own ambitions. Today, he regards his ability to balance a corporate career while nurturing an entrepreneurial venture as one of his proudest achievements.
He encouraged current students to remain clear about their purpose while at university. According to him, success often begins with remembering why the journey started. Through hard work, commitment and persistence, every student has the potential to shape a meaningful future.
The gathering concluded on an uplifting note as alumni reflected on the importance of maintaining strong connections with their alma mater. Encounters such as these highlight the powerful network that VUT continues to build through its graduates across diverse industries.
The visit to the Tseleme Social Club was more than a reunion. It was a reminder that the story of VUT does not end at graduation. It continues in boardrooms, laboratories, communities and businesses across the country, carried forward by alumni whose achievements reflect the enduring spirit and legacy of the University.