“VUT celebrated Women’s Month with a High Tea honouring female staff, their journeys, leadership and contributions to the University’s 60-year legacy.”
19 August 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Peter Masela
4 minutes read time.
Heels, hats and heartfelt conversations set the tone at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Conference Centre on Friday, 14 August 2026, as female staff members gathered for a Women’s Month High Tea that celebrated not only how far women have come, but also the many ways they continue to shape the University.
Held under the theme, “Celebrating Her Journey: Empowering Women to Lead, Grow and Inspire, and Honouring Women’s Contributions to VUT’s 60-Year Legacy”, the occasion blended celebration with meaningful conversations around health, finances, education, leadership and personal growth.
Welcoming guests, VUT Chief Financial Officer, Ms Nthanyi Dhumazi, reflected on the women who have helped shape the institution in classrooms, laboratories, offices and communities. “It speaks to the sacrifices that we have made. It speaks to the glass ceilings that we have shattered,” she said, encouraging women to continue leading with courage while inspiring the next generation.
The programme deliberately moved beyond the usual motivational approach. Dietitian Ms Betty Pheto spoke about the often-overlooked relationship between stress and eating habits, reminding participants that well-being is influenced by more than what appears on a plate. “When stress speaks, our eating habits speak too,” she said, noting that emotional strain can affect appetite, sleep, energy and everyday eating patterns.
Financial Advisor Ms Lulu Msimango from Standard Bank followed with practical guidance on budgeting, debt, investment and planning for the future. Among her key messages was the importance of women having a valid will and taking an active role in managing their financial affairs.
Dr Masebala Tjabane, Manager of VUT’s Centre for Academic Development, shifted the conversation towards the academic space, encouraging women to document and share their educational journeys. “It is about time that we contribute as women to the creation of global knowledge,” she said.
Her message resonated strongly with the University’s academic purpose, recognising women not only as contributors to higher education, but also as producers of knowledge whose experiences and scholarship can influence future generations.
The keynote address by retired Deputy Commissioner for Remand Operations Management in the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Dr Vuyi Mlomo Ndlovu, brought a thought-provoking perspective on leadership and governance. Speaking about destructive leadership, she emphasised accountability, ethical decision-making and the importance of employees being willing to challenge wrongdoing constructively rather than simply agreeing with those in authority.
She described such individuals as “courageous followers”, people whose willingness to question unethical practices can help safeguard organisational culture and strengthen accountability.
A highlight of the afternoon was the “6 Women for 60” recognition segment, which honoured women whose work and leadership reflect the many ways in which women have contributed to VUT’s growth and 60-year legacy.
Professor Anneke de Klerk, Senior Lecturer and Programme Coordinator in Photography, received two honours, being recognised in both the Academic and Legacy Builder categories.
The Community Builder recognition went to Ms Mamojalefa Letlapa, a VUT cleaner and VUT Radio presenter, while Ms Mpho Nkhi, Laboratory Technologist and Biotechnology Researcher, was recognised in the Education category.
Ms Ramseela Phasha, Manager of Residence Living and Learning, received the Support Staff recognition, while Ms Faith Mocoanceng, Manager of the Welfare and Victim Empowerment Centre, was honoured in the Women in Leadership category.
Together, the recognitions reflected the different spaces in which women continue to shape the University, from academia and research to student support, community engagement and institutional leadership. They also brought VUT’s 60-year legacy into sharper focus by placing names and faces behind the contributions that have helped build the institution.
The recognition added a personal dimension to the celebrations, shining a spotlight on women whose contributions may take different forms, but collectively strengthen the University and the communities it serves.
For Ms Deliwe Mkhwebane from the Examinations and Graduations Department in the Registrar’s Division, the diversity of topics made the gathering especially worthwhile. “Overall, the event was awesome, empowering and informative,” she said. “Rather than the usual motivational speaker, we got a dietician and financial adviser, and the main speaker’s topic was unique and something we are most likely to relate to.”
She also praised the atmosphere, décor and commitment to the theme, adding: “VUT outdid itself and the MC did a magnificent job.”
Closing the gathering, Ms Maureen Rathopo, Manager in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, captured the spirit of the occasion when she said: “It is beautiful when you see women embrace each other like that. It is what we need to do very often. It is very empowering.”
More than a High Tea, the gathering became a celebration of the women behind VUT’s 60-year story and a reminder that the next chapter of that legacy will continue to be shaped by women who are informed, confident, ethical, empowered and ready to lead.