“VUT hosted its Second Annual Convocation Fun Walk/Run on 31 October 2026, bringing together students, staff, alumni, and corporate partners to raise funds for student financial support and advance Strategy 2033+.”
05 November 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
7 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) brought together its vibrant university community, alumni, corporate partners and members of the public on Saturday, 31 October 2026, for its Second Annual Convocation Fun Walk/Run, an initiative aimed at promoting wellness, strengthening partnerships and raising funds to support students facing financial challenges.
Hosted by the VUT Office of Convocation in collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning; Stakeholder Engagement Office and the Advanced Public Relations students, the event took place at the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark. Participants embarked on a walk/run from the stadium towards the North-West University (NWU) Vaal Triangle Campus, demonstrating solidarity, togetherness and a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
More than a sporting event, the initiative brought together students, staff members, alumni, university leadership, corporate partners and the broader public in a celebration of unity, wellness and giving back. It provided an opportunity for the university community to connect beyond the academic environment while contributing towards a cause that directly impacts student success and access to higher education.
The programme commenced with a welcoming address by Mr David Matsaung, Deputy President of VUT Convocation, who warmly welcomed the university leadership, participants, corporate partners and guests. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of collective participation and encouraged attendees to embrace the occasion as an opportunity to contribute towards a worthy cause. He emphasised that the initiative was not simply about physical activity but about creating opportunities and supporting students in achieving their academic aspirations.
Following the welcome, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Steven Khehla Ndlovu, addressed the gathering, acknowledging the initiative’s growth since its inaugural edition. He expressed appreciation to the organising team, university community, sponsors and partners whose contributions had made the event possible. His address reinforced the importance of institutional leadership, collaboration and collective responsibility in supporting initiatives that promote student development and academic excellence.
At the heart of the event was the commitment to raising funds for students experiencing financial difficulties, particularly those pursuing Advanced Diplomas and Postgraduate qualifications. The initiative seeks to assist students who have completed their academic requirements but cannot access their qualifications due to outstanding financial obligations, as well as those who require financial support to continue their studies.
Addressing participants, the Convocation President expressed gratitude for the support received and revealed that Convocation had already secured approximately R1.5 million towards the
initiative. He explained that funds raised through the Fun Walk/Run would be added to the existing amount to increase the financial assistance available to deserving students. He further encouraged students, staff, alumni, corporate partners and members of the public to continue contributing towards the programme.
He emphasised that financial difficulties should not prevent graduates from accessing their hard-earned qualifications or stop deserving students from pursuing further academic opportunities. He also indicated that Convocation would communicate the impact of the fundraising initiative, including the beneficiaries who receive assistance.
The initiative received support from various corporate and institutional partners, including Sanlam, Heroes Marathon, Telkom, banking institutions, Mercedes-Benz, Masina Heights, and Prevention Engineering, as well as internal university stakeholders and other supporting organisations. Their participation demonstrated the importance of partnerships between higher education institutions, industry and communities in addressing student funding challenges.
Dr Grace Kanakana Katumba, DVC Teaching and Learning, representing the University’s partners and funders, commended the leadership and organising team for delivering an improved event compared to the previous year. She acknowledged the organising team’s contribution and expressed appreciation to the partners who continue to support the University’s initiatives. She further encouraged industry stakeholders to strengthen their relationships with VUT and invest in programmes that contribute to youth development and improve access to educational opportunities, particularly for students from the missing middle.
The event also reflected the broader aspirations of VUT’s Strategy 2033+, which provides a long-term institutional roadmap for positioning the University as a leading university of technology. Guided by its vision of learning and innovation for digitally smart and sustainable industrial progress and socio-economic transformation, the strategy emphasises developing techno-entrepreneurial graduates and innovators who can contribute meaningfully to society, industry, and commerce.
The Convocation Fun Walk/Run contributes to this strategic direction by recognising that student success extends beyond teaching and learning. It requires an enabling institutional environment in which students are supported, opportunities are created, and financial barriers are addressed. Through fundraising and stakeholder collaboration, the initiative contributes towards improving student progression, academic achievement and graduate success.
Furthermore, the event reflects VUT’s institutional values, particularly its commitment to an ethic of care, collegiality, excellence, integrity, creativity and diversity. The willingness of the university community to contribute towards students experiencing financial difficulties demonstrates the importance of caring for one another. In contrast, the involvement of alumni, corporate partners and university stakeholders illustrates the value of working together towards shared institutional goals.
As VUT continues to implement Strategy 2033+, initiatives such as the Fun Walk/Run demonstrate how the University’s strategic aspirations can be translated into practical action. By investing in students and strengthening partnerships, the University continues to create an environment where talent can be nurtured and educational opportunities expanded.
For students, the initiative provided an opportunity to participate in something that directly speaks to their experiences within higher education. Mr Mulalo Mudau, a VUT postgraduate student pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Business Administration), highlighted the importance of collective efforts in addressing student funding challenges.
“Being part of this initiative was a meaningful experience because it demonstrated that student success is a responsibility we all share. Many students work extremely hard to complete their qualifications, but financial challenges can sometimes prevent them from accessing their academic achievements or progressing to the next level of their studies. As a postgraduate student, I understand the importance of creating an environment that encourages and supports students to reach their full potential. The Convocation Fun Walk/Run demonstrates that when students, staff, alumni and corporate partners come together, we can make a real difference. Every contribution, regardless of its size, can help open doors for another student. I hope this initiative continues to grow and benefits many more students in the years ahead,” said Mr Mudau.
Beyond its fundraising objectives, the event also promoted physical wellness, social interaction and stronger relationships within the university community. Participants enjoyed an atmosphere of enthusiasm and camaraderie as they took part in the walk/run, followed by entertainment, music and organised activities. The programme created an opportunity for colleagues, students, alumni and corporate representatives to interact outside their usual academic and professional environments.
The growing participation reflected the initiative’s positive development, with organisers expressing optimism about expanding future editions, strengthening corporate partnerships, and increasing fundraising contributions. The organisers also encouraged participants to continue supporting the programme, emphasising that the vision is to establish the Fun Walk/Run as a sustainable legacy initiative benefiting generations of VUT students.
As the Second Annual Convocation Fun Walk/Run concluded, the message was clear: building a successful university requires more than academic programmes and institutional development. It requires a united community that is willing to invest in people, nurture talent and create opportunities for those who need them most.
Through collaboration, generosity and a shared commitment to student success, VUT continues to demonstrate that meaningful transformation begins when people come together for a common purpose. The event was a reminder that every step taken and every contribution made can help change a student’s life.