“VUT Food Service Management students celebrated Heritage Day with cultural menus, innovative table settings, and traditional dishes with a modern twist.”
30 September 2025 | Story By: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
On 23 September 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) brightened with colour, flavour, and culture as the Food Service Management students hosted a Heritage Day celebration. More than just an event, the day became a living classroom, blending learning, tradition, and creativity in an inspiring showcase of South Africa’s diversity.
As part of their Hospitality Management module, first-year students were tasked with a table-setting assessment inspired by South Africa’s cultural heritage. Each group prepared themed menus, which they cooked and presented in a plated dish display. The result was a feast for the senses, reflecting the pride and imagination of a new generation of hospitality professionals.
Dr Kuda Marumo-Ngwenya, Senior Lecturer in Hospitality, highlighted the layered learning behind the programme. On 22 September, first year students opened the celebrations with pre-preparation (mise en place) and a culinary fusion session, reinventing traditional South African dishes using modern techniques. “The aim was to thoughtfully infuse heritage cuisine with innovation, demonstrating creativity while preserving cultural roots,” said Dr Marumo-Ngwenya. The VUT Sisonke Student Training Restaurant also joined the celebrations, selling traditional meals to the wider university community.
The event was graced by Mrs Portia Mohale a Senior Education Specialist for Hospitality and Tourism, at the Department of Education in the Free State Province, who is a member of the VUT Advisory Committee for the food service management programme. VUT internal guests from different departments formed part of this occasion, as these individuals are valued members who contribute through media coverage that ensures student activities are well documented and shared. In contrast, others play a key role in planning and executing events that provide Food Service Management students with a platform to showcase their talents.
Speaking on the significance of Heritage Day, Prof Limpho Lekaota, Head of Department for Tourism and Integrated Communication, observed: “Heritage Day promotes national unity, fosters cultural understanding, and builds an inclusive society. It is about preserving our living heritage, honouring our historical figures, and celebrating our identity as a Rainbow Nation. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Our rich and varied cultural heritage has profound power to help build our new nation.’”
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Dr Delia Oosthuizen, Senior Lecturer in Hospitality, who praised the dedication of both students and staff. “Today we witnessed a truly special celebration of heritage, brought to life by the creativity and passion of our first-year Food Service Management students. Their table settings and dishes beautifully showcased the richness of our shared traditions,” she said.
For students, the event was both memorable and formative. First-year student Thembelihle Shabangu reflected: “The experience was amazing and informative. Balancing academic activities with preparing for this celebration was challenging, but we have learned a lot. We’ll continue improving our skills to succeed in this hospitality field.”
The Heritage Day celebrations honoured South Africa’s cultural tapestry and embodied VUT’s mission to empower students with real-world learning opportunities. It was a reminder that food and culture, when celebrated together, hold the power to unite, inspire, and transform.