“The Faculty of Applied and Computer Science at VUT successfully hosted National Science Week 2025 from 4 to 7 August, inspiring high school students across the Vaal Triangle with hands-on STEM activities, career guidance, and innovation displays. Emphasising the widespread role of science and technology, the event fostered curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to future-ready STEM careers.”
11 August 2025 | Story By: Tayron Mhlongo | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
2 minutes read time.
The Faculty of Applied and Computer Science (FACS) at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) brought the Vaal Triangle to life from 4 to 7 August with a dynamic celebration of National Science Week 2025. Under the theme Science, Technology and Innovation are everywhere, the four-day programme ignited curiosity, opened career pathways, and showcased the power of STEM in shaping the future.
Five local schools, Tsolo Secondary, Iketsetseng Secondary, Thuto Lore Secondary, Tshepong Secondary and Kahobotjha Sak’Ubusha Secondary, joined the event, which blended career guidance, hands on activities and real-world innovation. The aim was simple yet ambitious: inspire learners to dream, explore and see themselves as tomorrow’s scientists, engineers and problem solvers.
Dr Kgomotso Mtshatsheni, Senior Lecturer in the Natural Sciences Department, explained, “We host Science Week to raise awareness among schools, especially disadvantaged ones, about the importance of science and to offer career guidance. We also use it to strengthen our connection with the community.” She stressed the programme’s ability to open doors to opportunities in science, technology, and innovation.
Departments within FACS, including Information Technology and Health Sciences, delivered engaging presentations that revealed the possibilities within their fields. Learners were encouraged to see themselves as active contributors to the future of science, not just observers.
Interactive exhibitions and live demonstrations formed the heart of the programme. Learners took part in technology showcases, problem-solving challenges, and innovation displays that transformed abstract STEM concepts into exciting, tangible experiences.
For Ms Nthabiseng Moshe, one of the attending learners, the highlight was discovering a new passion. “Biotechnology inspired me the most. I never had an interest in it before, but it taught me to step out of my comfort zone. I realised that’s where I belong,” she said, already looking forward to enrolling in the course in 2026.
National Science Week 2025 closed with a powerful reminder: science, technology, and innovation are woven into every aspect of life. Every learner has the potential to lead, create, and solve the challenges of tomorrow. Through this initiative, VUT reaffirmed its commitment to building a skilled, inspired, and future-ready generation.