“VUT celebrates academic achievers, student leaders and residence volunteers at the 2026 SAC Awards, supporting student success and the VUT 2033+ Strategy.”
05 November 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture: Peter Masela
Metsotso e 3 nako ya go bala.
For Mr Dzunisani Mendy Mhlarhi, a fourth-year student and House Committee member at Nkandla Phase 1 in VUT Main Residence, recognition came with a renewed commitment to the students he serves.
“As a House Committee member of Nkandla Phase 1, the award recognition means my service to the house was seen and appreciated. It shows that I led with respect and put the residence first. It motivates me to keep making Nkandla Phase 1 a safe and united home,” said Mr Mhlarhi.
He was among the students honoured at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Student Accommodation and Catering (SAC) Awards, held on 27 October 2026 at the VUT Conference Centre. The event celebrated academic achievement, student leadership, volunteerism and community service, recognising the people who help make residences supportive places to live and learn.
Programme Director Ms Keabetsoe Lekolwane guided the proceedings. Delivering the welcome address, Mr Lungile Masango, Director of Student Accommodation and Catering, spoke about the role of residences in bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and creating opportunities for growth.
“Residence life is about more than accommodation. It is about creating a community where students can learn, grow and support one another,” said Mr Masango.
He encouraged students to build communities grounded in belonging, mutual respect, accountability and shared responsibility.
Keynote speaker Mr Ally Jan Smith, a lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences and Academic Officer of Convocation at VUT, drew on his university journey, which began in 2017. He reflected on how involvement in residence activities and student leadership had shaped his academic progress, personal development and professional growth.
“Your circumstances may influence where you begin, but discipline and determination play a significant role in shaping where you want to go,” said Mr Smith.
He urged students to remain focused on their aspirations, take responsibility for their decisions and use the opportunities available at university. Leadership, he emphasised, is demonstrated through service and commitment, rather than a position alone.
Awards recognised contributions to residence volunteering, cultural and heritage activities, chess, netball, soccer and environmental sustainability. Together, these categories reflected the different ways students enrich residence life through teamwork, cultural participation and care for their surroundings.
House Committee members were recognised across four portfolios: Premarius, Academic Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Sports and Welfare Officer. The Central House Committee was also acknowledged for its leadership, coordination and representation of residence students, including communicating concerns and supporting collaboration with university management.
Mr Mhlarhi’s recognition brought these responsibilities into focus. His contribution to unity, responsible residence living and communication between residents and residence structures showed how student representatives can influence the everyday experiences of their peers.
Academic achievement was another highlight, with 20 top achievers recognised across the faculties of Applied and Computer Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Human Sciences, and Management Sciences.
Among them were Ms Innocent Lekwadu from the Faculty of Human Sciences, Mr Lehlohonolo Letshuma from the Faculty of Management Sciences, and Ms Awonke Saleni from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Their recognition acknowledged the discipline and perseverance required to excel while managing the demands of university life.
Celebrating academic performance alongside leadership, sport and volunteering reflected a broad understanding of student success. Residences provide opportunities for students to develop confidence, build relationships and learn to take responsibility for others while pursuing their qualifications.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs Ramaesela Phasha, Manager of Residence Living and Learning, acknowledged the university leadership, staff, student representatives and stakeholders who supported the event and the work of residence communities.
“Behind every successful event are people who provide guidance, create opportunities, offer encouragement and support students through difficult moments,” said Mrs Phasha.
She also recognised those working behind the scenes to help students thrive academically, socially and personally.
The awards support the student development ambitions of VUT Strategy 2033+, giving practical expression to the values of excellence, an ethic of care, collegiality and diversity. For the students recognised, those values are reflected in daily choices: remaining committed to their studies, assisting a fellow resident, representing concerns or bringing people together.
Mr Mhlarhi’s determination to keep Nkandla Phase 1 “a safe and united home” captured the responsibility that continues beyond the awards ceremony.