13 May 2025 | Story: Tshepiso Kaibe | Photo: Peter Masela.
4 minutes read time.
In an inspiring show of solidarity and commitment to student success, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently hosted a laptop handover ceremony that left recipients beaming with gratitude and hope. The event was made possible by Setsibi IT Services, one of the proud sponsors of the VUT Inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Golf Day, a platform created for networking and making tangible contributions towards student empowerment.
This meaningful initiative stemmed from the VUT Bursary Fund, established in 2024 following the installation of Professor Khehla Ndlovu as the university’s Vice-Chancellor. A Golf Day fundraiser was organised shortly after his installation to support financially disadvantaged yet deserving students. While many sponsors contributed monetary donations, Setsibi IT Services supported the cause by donating four brand new laptops, each awarded to a carefully selected student representing one of VUT’s four faculties.
Among those honoured was Mrs Maria Moshualuba-Lehoko, a first-year Information Technology (IT) student under the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences. Her journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of education. Her association with VUT began in 2013, not as a student, but as a cleaner. Yet, her passion for IT can be traced back to 2000 when she completed a short course in Information Technology. Though the qualification did not immediately open doors for her, she refused to abandon her dream.
In 2015, she contacted a VUT lecturer to inquire about enrolling in the diploma programme, only to be informed that her Matric results did not meet the entry requirements. Instead of conceding defeat, she took it upon herself to upgrade her Mathematics mark in 2016, determined to earn her place. Nearly a decade later, her unwavering dedication paid off when she was officially accepted into the Diploma in IT programme in 2025. For Mrs Moshualuba-Lehoko, receiving this laptop was more than just a material gift; it symbolised how far she had come. “I have been using my cellphone for most of my assignments. There are tasks that I could not complete properly due to the limitations of using a phone. At times, I had to go around to different departments to ask if I could borrow a laptop to finish my work,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion.
Joining Mrs Moshualuba-Lehoko in this moment of triumph were three other equally deserving students: Ms Mmashela Kekana, a second-year Bachelor of Education student under the Faculty of Human Sciences; Mr Mushe Mabaso, who is pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management within the Faculty of Management Sciences; and Mr Karabo Radipabe, a second-year Civil Engineering student under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Their journeys to this moment echoed a narrative of perseverance, academic dedication, and the promise of a brighter future.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Ndlovu emphasised the importance of putting these laptops to good use, reminding recipients that such opportunities are rare and hard-won. “It would be a great disservice to the generosity of Setsibi IT Services if these laptops are not used to enhance your academic work,” he said, reinforcing the university’s commitment to nurturing resilience, excellence, and innovation.
Special thanks were extended to Mrs Idah Molotsane, the Account Manager at Setsibi IT Services, whose hands-on involvement ensured the success of this initiative. The ceremony was also graced by senior academic leaders, including Professor Lazarus Maleho, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences; Professor Khaled Abou-El-Hossen, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Professor Christa Grobler, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences; and Dr Gauta Maseko, Head of Department in the Faculty of Management Sciences representing Professor Chengendzai Mafini, the Executive Dean.
The dignitaries unanimously encouraged the recipients to make the most of the opportunity, reminding them that they were chosen out of over 6 000 students, a remarkable achievement that spoke volumes about their potential. This laptop handover marks the provision of tools and the affirmation of VUT’s unwavering vision to transform lives through education, with the valued support of generous sponsors such as Setsibi IT Services.
