“Newly appointed VUT Director Lungile Masango outlines his priorities for residence safety, maintenance, catering and responsive student support.”
23 October 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Peter Masela
Metsotso e 3 nako ya go bala.
Safe residences, reliable catering and responsive support services are among the priorities Mr Lungile Sabelo Masango intends to advance as the newly appointed Director: Student Accommodation and Catering at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
Bringing more than 15 years of experience in higher education, student development and residence management, Mr Masango returns to the institution where his academic journey began. His focus is on strengthening the services and living environments that help students participate fully in university life.
“Accommodation and catering are not merely operational support functions; they are essential components of student success,” he says.
Originally from Vosloorus, east of Johannesburg, Mr Masango initially enrolled for Analytical Chemistry at VUT before moving to North-West University (NWU), where he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Psychology and Labour Relations Management. He later completed a Postgraduate Diploma through the NWU Business School and a Master of Business Administration.
His career has included roles at NWU and the University of Pretoria, covering student development, student governance, residence life, facilities coordination and residence management. His experience also extends to accommodation planning, residence infrastructure projects, private accommodation partnerships and policy development.
“Returning to VUT is both a professional milestone and a homecoming,” he says. “It offers me the opportunity to contribute the knowledge, skills and experience I have gained to an institution that played an important role in shaping my own academic journey.”
His interest in student support took root during two consecutive terms as Residence Primarius at NWU. The experience helped him understand how residence life influences students’ wellbeing, academic performance and sense of belonging.
Among his immediate priorities is reviewing the department’s policies, procedures and operational systems to identify where improvements are needed. He also intends to
prioritise residence maintenance through better planning, monitoring and accountability.
“Safe, functional and well-maintained residences are essential to creating an environment conducive to learning and student wellbeing,” he says.
Other areas of focus include strengthening residence safety and security, improving the quality and consistency of catering services, and making student feedback and complaint-resolution mechanisms more responsive. He says these efforts will require clear service standards, effective performance monitoring and sound financial management.
Mr Masango plans to work with residence staff, student leadership and relevant University stakeholders to understand service concerns and guide improvements. His approach places listening alongside accountability, with student feedback informing decisions about the services they use daily.
Beyond accommodation and meals, he sees residences as spaces for personal growth, social integration and community. He intends to encourage structured residence activities that support leadership and belonging while respecting students’ academic commitments and shared living environments.
His leadership approach emphasises collaboration, staff development and clear responsibilities. He believes capable teams and open communication will be essential to translating the portfolio’s priorities into practical improvements.
“Success will ultimately be reflected in safer and better-maintained residences, improved catering services, more responsive support systems and a better overall experience for VUT students,” he says.
As he settles into the role, Mr Masango encourages students to contribute to a positive residence culture by respecting shared spaces and participating responsibly in university life.
“My commitment is to listen, learn and lead with integrity, ensuring that our decisions and actions remain focused on students’ needs and the University’s broader objectives,” he concludes.