{"id":19698,"date":"2025-02-24T09:32:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-24T09:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?page_id=19698"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:37:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T11:37:19","slug":"convocation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/convocation\/","title":{"rendered":"Kgokagana  le rena"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"19698\" class=\"elementor elementor-19698\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd6fa3e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"dd6fa3e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9a281a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a9a281a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4df88a7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4df88a7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Lekgotla<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d4554d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8d4554d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Vaal University of Technology Convocation is an official body representing the university\u2019s largest community, including alumni and key academic stakeholders.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa105c7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fa105c7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4b1ae8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d4b1ae8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea809da elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ea809da\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Convocation of Vaal University of Technology <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-784d348 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"784d348\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c28ae98 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c28ae98\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed8dc0a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ed8dc0a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b49b4b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b49b4b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">About the Convocation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e934a7a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e934a7a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fd03a1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6fd03a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p>The Convocation of Vaal University of Technology<strong> (VUT)<\/strong> is a statutory body that serves as the university\u2019s largest constituency, comprising its alumni and key academic stakeholders. This body plays a pivotal role in the governance and strategic direction of the institution by facilitating alumni engagement and contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the university\u2019s academic reputation.<\/p><p>Membership to Convocation is automatic upon the conferral of a diploma, or credit-bearing certificate. Additionally, academic staff and selected emeritus professors are included, ensuring a broad and representative body that upholds the interests of both past and present members of the university.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd66e84 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"cd66e84\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b55a245 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b55a245\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Leadership<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-721d141 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"721d141\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddb2b38 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ddb2b38\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ea1d14 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1ea1d14\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-edbbdc5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"edbbdc5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Pinky-MotsoetlaNon-Academic-Rep.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-37983\" alt=\"Professional woman in a black blazer and white shirt with arms crossed, posing confidently against a light gray background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Pinky-MotsoetlaNon-Academic-Rep.webp 1600w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Pinky-MotsoetlaNon-Academic-Rep-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Pinky-MotsoetlaNon-Academic-Rep-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Pinky-MotsoetlaNon-Academic-Rep-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Pinky-MotsoetlaNon-Academic-Rep-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Pinky-MotsoetlaNon-Academic-Rep-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" title=\"Pinky Motsoetla Non-Academic Rep \u2013 Vaal University of Technology\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a6835ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a6835ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Non-Academic Member<br>Ms Pinky Motsoetla<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6246c3a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6246c3a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a3310d elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"3a3310d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"mailto:phokoanem@vut.ac.za\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-envelope\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M464 64H48C21.49 64 0 85.49 0 112v288c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h416c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V112c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zm0 48v40.805c-22.422 18.259-58.168 46.651-134.587 106.49-16.841 13.247-50.201 45.072-73.413 44.701-23.208.375-56.579-31.459-73.413-44.701C106.18 199.465 70.425 171.067 48 152.805V112h416zM48 400V214.398c22.914 18.251 55.409 43.862 104.938 82.646 21.857 17.205 60.134 55.186 103.062 54.955 42.717.231 80.509-37.199 103.053-54.947 49.528-38.783 82.032-64.401 104.947-82.653V400H48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Email Me<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8bb3d3a elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"8bb3d3a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"tel:0169507645\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-phone-square\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M400 32H48C21.49 32 0 53.49 0 80v352c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h352c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V80c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM94 416c-7.033 0-13.057-4.873-14.616-11.627l-14.998-65a15 15 0 0 1 8.707-17.16l69.998-29.999a15 15 0 0 1 17.518 4.289l30.997 37.885c48.944-22.963 88.297-62.858 110.781-110.78l-37.886-30.997a15.001 15.001 0 0 1-4.289-17.518l30-69.998a15 15 0 0 1 17.16-8.707l65 14.998A14.997 14.997 0 0 1 384 126c0 160.292-129.945 290-290 290z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">016 950 7645<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bc04aa e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2bc04aa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69e1e93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"69e1e93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/President.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-37984\" alt=\"Professional headshot of a man in a black blazer and blue shirt against a neutral gray background, facing the camera.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/President.webp 1600w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/President-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/President-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/President-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/President-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/President-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" title=\"President \u2013 Vaal University of Technology\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94a869a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"94a869a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">President of the convocation <br>Mr. Makhosonke Sangweni<br><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac7039c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ac7039c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffc62c3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"ffc62c3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"mailto:makhosonkes@vut.ac.za\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-envelope\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M464 64H48C21.49 64 0 85.49 0 112v288c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h416c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V112c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zm0 48v40.805c-22.422 18.259-58.168 46.651-134.587 106.49-16.841 13.247-50.201 45.072-73.413 44.701-23.208.375-56.579-31.459-73.413-44.701C106.18 199.465 70.425 171.067 48 152.805V112h416zM48 400V214.398c22.914 18.251 55.409 43.862 104.938 82.646 21.857 17.205 60.134 55.186 103.062 54.955 42.717.231 80.509-37.199 103.053-54.947 49.528-38.783 82.032-64.401 104.947-82.653V400H48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Email Me<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e125e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4e125e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"tel:071%203501477\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-phone-square\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M400 32H48C21.49 32 0 53.49 0 80v352c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h352c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V80c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM94 416c-7.033 0-13.057-4.873-14.616-11.627l-14.998-65a15 15 0 0 1 8.707-17.16l69.998-29.999a15 15 0 0 1 17.518 4.289l30.997 37.885c48.944-22.963 88.297-62.858 110.781-110.78l-37.886-30.997a15.001 15.001 0 0 1-4.289-17.518l30-69.998a15 15 0 0 1 17.16-8.707l65 14.998A14.997 14.997 0 0 1 384 126c0 160.292-129.945 290-290 290z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">071 3501477<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b11912d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b11912d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37ddd39 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"37ddd39\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deputy-President-1024x740.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-37982\" alt=\"Smiling man in a black suit and blue tie against a neutral gray studio background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deputy-President-1024x740.webp 1024w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deputy-President-300x217.webp 300w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deputy-President-768x555.webp 768w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deputy-President-1536x1110.webp 1536w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deputy-President-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deputy-President.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Deputy President \u2013 Vaal University of Technology\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-edcd5ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"edcd5ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Deputy President of the convocation<br>Mr David Matsaung<br><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-273022b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"273022b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56d9de1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"56d9de1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-envelope\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M464 64H48C21.49 64 0 85.49 0 112v288c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h416c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V112c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zm0 48v40.805c-22.422 18.259-58.168 46.651-134.587 106.49-16.841 13.247-50.201 45.072-73.413 44.701-23.208.375-56.579-31.459-73.413-44.701C106.18 199.465 70.425 171.067 48 152.805V112h416zM48 400V214.398c22.914 18.251 55.409 43.862 104.938 82.646 21.857 17.205 60.134 55.186 103.062 54.955 42.717.231 80.509-37.199 103.053-54.947 49.528-38.783 82.032-64.401 104.947-82.653V400H48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Email Me<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58e5f45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"58e5f45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"tel:016%20950%207687\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-phone-square\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M400 32H48C21.49 32 0 53.49 0 80v352c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h352c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V80c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM94 416c-7.033 0-13.057-4.873-14.616-11.627l-14.998-65a15 15 0 0 1 8.707-17.16l69.998-29.999a15 15 0 0 1 17.518 4.289l30.997 37.885c48.944-22.963 88.297-62.858 110.781-110.78l-37.886-30.997a15.001 15.001 0 0 1-4.289-17.518l30-69.998a15 15 0 0 1 17.16-8.707l65 14.998A14.997 14.997 0 0 1 384 126c0 160.292-129.945 290-290 290z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">016 950 7687<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6520a9d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6520a9d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-613348c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"613348c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ally-Jan-Smith-Academic-Rep.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-37981\" alt=\"Professional headshot of a man in a black suit and blue tie with arms crossed against a light gray background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ally-Jan-Smith-Academic-Rep.webp 1600w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ally-Jan-Smith-Academic-Rep-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ally-Jan-Smith-Academic-Rep-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ally-Jan-Smith-Academic-Rep-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ally-Jan-Smith-Academic-Rep-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Ally-Jan-Smith-Academic-Rep-18x12.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" title=\"Ally Jan Smith Academic Rep \u2013 Vaal University of Technology\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-31f69e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"31f69e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Academic Member<br>Mr Ally Jan Smith<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d65c28a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d65c28a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f62715 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"2f62715\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"mailto:moiponem@vut.ac.za\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-far-envelope\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M464 64H48C21.49 64 0 85.49 0 112v288c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h416c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V112c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zm0 48v40.805c-22.422 18.259-58.168 46.651-134.587 106.49-16.841 13.247-50.201 45.072-73.413 44.701-23.208.375-56.579-31.459-73.413-44.701C106.18 199.465 70.425 171.067 48 152.805V112h416zM48 400V214.398c22.914 18.251 55.409 43.862 104.938 82.646 21.857 17.205 60.134 55.186 103.062 54.955 42.717.231 80.509-37.199 103.053-54.947 49.528-38.783 82.032-64.401 104.947-82.653V400H48z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Email Me<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db41fc4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"db41fc4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"tel:0169507554\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-phone-square\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M400 32H48C21.49 32 0 53.49 0 80v352c0 26.51 21.49 48 48 48h352c26.51 0 48-21.49 48-48V80c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48zM94 416c-7.033 0-13.057-4.873-14.616-11.627l-14.998-65a15 15 0 0 1 8.707-17.16l69.998-29.999a15 15 0 0 1 17.518 4.289l30.997 37.885c48.944-22.963 88.297-62.858 110.781-110.78l-37.886-30.997a15.001 15.001 0 0 1-4.289-17.518l30-69.998a15 15 0 0 1 17.16-8.707l65 14.998A14.997 14.997 0 0 1 384 126c0 160.292-129.945 290-290 290z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">016 950 7554<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37b7e82 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"37b7e82\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fe0805 e-n-tabs-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-tabs\" data-id=\"2fe0805\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;horizontal_scroll&quot;:&quot;disable&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-tabs.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs\" data-widget-number=\"50202629\" aria-label=\"Tabs. Open items with Enter or Space, close with Escape and navigate using the Arrow keys.\" data-no-translation-aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs-heading\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026291\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026291\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"true\" data-tab-index=\"1\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-502026291\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 1;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tConvocation Constitution \t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026292\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026292\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"2\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-502026292\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 2;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tInstitutional Rules \t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026293\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026293\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"3\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-502026293\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 3;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tElections timetable\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026294\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026294\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"4\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-502026294\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 4;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tInstitutional Statute\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026295\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026295\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"5\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-502026295\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 5;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tNominations and Elections Policy\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026296\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026296\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"6\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-502026296\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 6;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tRoles and Responsibilities\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026297\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026297\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"7\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-502026297\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 7;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tEligibility for Membership in<br>VUT Convocation\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026298\" data-tab-title-id=\"e-n-tab-title-502026298\" class=\"e-n-tab-title\" aria-selected=\"false\" data-tab-index=\"8\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-controls=\"e-n-tab-content-502026298\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 8;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-tab-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\tImpact and Achievements\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-tabs-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-502026291\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-502026291\" data-tab-index=\"1\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 1;\" class=\"e-active elementor-element elementor-element-c6453c8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c6453c8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40742da elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"40742da\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong><span class=\"\">Convocation of the Vaal University of Technology \u2013 Key Information<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Convocation is a recognised university structure under Chapter 9 of the VUT Statute. Its mission is to promote the university\u2019s interests, maintain positive relationships with its members, and use their expertise and influence to support the institution.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Membership<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0includes all graduates, diploma and certificate holders of VUT, the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, full-time academic staff, and retired academic staff (unless they are already members as graduates).<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Objectives<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0include discussing any matter relating to the university, protecting members\u2019 interests, raising funds for bursaries (especially for needy students), and maintaining a members\u2019 database for communication and electoral purposes.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Office-bearers<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0are the President, Deputy President, and Secretary (the Registrar). The President serves a two-year term, may stand for a second term, and cannot be a full-time employee of the university. The Convocation Officer handles administration.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Annual General Meetings<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0are held regularly. Members can submit motions in writing before the meeting. Voting is by show of hands or ballot if requested, but proxy voting is not allowed. Resolutions are binding by majority vote, with the President having a casting vote if needed.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Executive Committee (Convex)<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0supports the Convocation\u2019s work. It includes the President (Chairperson), Deputy President, a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, a full\u2011time academic staff member, one elected member, and the Secretary and Convocation Officer as ex officio members. The Committee may co\u2011opt other members for specific purposes.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Regional Chapters<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0may be formed where there are enough members, demarcated by province, municipality, or internationally. Chapters have their own chairperson and committee, but the Convocation President and Deputy President serve as ex officio members of all chapters.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Appointments to university structures<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 the Convocation nominates representatives to serve on Council, Senate, and the Institutional Forum, following the university\u2019s Statute. Vacancies in these positions can be filled by the Executive Committee for the remainder of the term.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Amendments<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0to this Constitution require a simple majority vote at an Annual General Meeting, with the proposed change notified beforehand.<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/VUT-Convocation-Constitution-review-2025-002.pdf\">Convocation Constitution<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-502026292\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-502026292\" data-tab-index=\"2\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 2;\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef3ea3e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ef3ea3e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ce5758c elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ce5758c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong><span class=\"\">Vaal University of Technology \u2013 Institutional Rules\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Institutional Rules are approved by Council and cover the election rules, governance structures, and procedures for the university\u2019s committees, Council, Senate, Institutional Forum, SRC, management structures, employees, Convocation, and the Office of the Ombud.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part I \u2013 Election Rules<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Unless otherwise specified, all university elections follow the VUT Election Rules as approved by Council, which may be reviewed from time to time.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part II \u2013 Council<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Council\u2019s composition, term of office, and code of conduct are regulated. A Governance Committee maintains a skills matrix and recommends appointments. Vacancies are advertised through various platforms (website, social media, national media). Internal vacancies are advertised by email to relevant constituencies. Elections by Senate, academic staff, administrative staff, and the SRC follow nomination and ballot procedures. New Council members receive an induction and key documents (Higher Education Act, Statute, Institutional Rules, Council Charter, Code of Conduct, etc.). Council undertakes annual assessments. Quorum requires 50% plus one of members, with at least half being non\u2011employees and non\u2011students. Minutes, motions, points of order, and round\u2011robin resolutions are governed by detailed rules. Committees of Council include EXCO, Audit and Risk, Finance and Infrastructure, HR, Remuneration, Governance, Joint Ethics, and Honorary Degrees \u2013 each with its own charter.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part III \u2013 Senate<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Executive Committee of Senate (SENEX) deals with academic matters between Senate meetings. Faculty boards are appointed by Senate to regulate faculty activities, applying Senate meeting procedures where applicable.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part IV \u2013 Institutional Forum<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Representatives are elected from Management (by MANCOM), Council (non\u2011employee\/student members only), Convocation (a designated member with at least five years\u2019 post\u2011study work experience), Senate (two members), academic employees (two members, elected by academic staff), employees other than academic (two members), women (one representative elected by women staff and students), persons with disabilities (one representative), students (as per SRC Constitution), and registered unions (one per union). The Forum elects its own Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part V \u2013 Students\u2019 Representative Council (SRC)<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The SRC Constitution, approved by Council, sets out the institutional rules for the SRC\u2019s establishment and operations.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part VI \u2013 Management Structures and Committees<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">MANCOM has a detailed Charter. The Vice\u2011Chancellor and Principal nominates one Deputy Vice\u2011Chancellor as Vice\u2011Principal annually, for EXCO approval. MANCOM may establish committees and joint committees with Senate, each governed by its own charter.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part VII \u2013 Vice\u2011Chancellor and Principal<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">When a vacancy arises, Council consults Senate and the Institutional Forum, then determines appointment criteria. The HR department follows the Guidelines for Appointment of Managers (Posts Levels 1\u20134). EXCO deliberates and nominates one candidate to Council, which votes by secret ballot. A simple majority appoints; otherwise, the process returns to HR.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part VIII \u2013 Employees<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Council appoints employees under the staffing policy. Conditions of service, remuneration, disciplinary code, grievance procedures, and recognition of employee organisations are determined by Council through relevant policies and labour legislation.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part IX \u2013 Convocation<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Meeting procedures are decided by the Convocation meeting itself, but include confirming minutes, dealing with noticed business only at special meetings, electing a chair in the President\u2019s absence, speaking limits, and the chair having a deliberative and casting vote.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Part X \u2013 Office of the VUT Ombud<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Council establishes the Ombud\u2019s Office as an independent, impartial, confidential entity to assist with conflict resolution. It reports to Council through the Chairperson of Council and is resourced via the Vice\u2011Chancellor\u2019s Office. Its terms of reference are set out in its Charter.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Appendices<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Institutional Rules include appendices such as the Delegation of Authority, VUT Committee Structure, Election Rules, General Academic Rules, SRC Constitution, and Charters of Committees.<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VUT-Institutional-Rules-0000.pdf\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">Institutional Rules Convocation Constitution<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-502026293\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-502026293\" data-tab-index=\"3\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 3;\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0797a5f e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0797a5f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3df1fec elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3df1fec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong><span class=\"\">VUT Convocation Elections 2026 \u2013 Process Update<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Following the closure of nominations, the Vaal University of Technology has screened and verified all candidates in line with the Institutional Statute, Institutional Rules, Convocation Constitution, and the Nominations and Elections Policy. Candidates were informed of the outcome, and those affected were given an opportunity to appeal.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">To ensure a free, fair, and transparent process, VUT appointed\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"\">Kuteno Consulting<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0as the independent electoral service provider. This provider manages appeals, candidate lists, objections, online voting, verification, auditing, and the announcement of results.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Only recognised Convocation members may stand for election or vote. Members should verify their voter information via the official voter search platform using their staff or student number.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Approved election timeline (2026)<\/span><\/strong><\/p><ul><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">23 May<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Communication with disqualified nominees<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">25 May<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Publication of preliminary candidate list and draft voters\u2019 roll<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">26 May<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Closure of objections to preliminary candidate list<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">27 May<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Publication of final candidate list and final voters\u2019 roll<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">28 May<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Publication of voting guidelines, platform details, and voting hours<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">30 May<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Election Day<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">30 May<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Publication of preliminary results and opening of objections<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">01 June<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Closure of objections to preliminary results<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p><strong><span class=\"\">02 June<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0\u2013 Publication of final election results<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">VUT remains committed to integrity, accountability, and transparency, encouraging all eligible Convocation members to participate constructively.<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VUT-CONVOCATION-ELECTIONS-UPDATE-ON-THE-2026-ELECTION-PROCESS.pdf\">Convocation Elections Document<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-502026294\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-502026294\" data-tab-index=\"4\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 4;\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-02d87d7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"02d87d7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b7ebc4f elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b7ebc4f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong><span class=\"\">VUT Institutional Statute<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Statute (published by the Minister of Higher Education under the Higher Education Act) establishes VUT as a public higher education institution with its seat in Vanderbijlpark.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Key Governance Bodies<\/span><\/strong><\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Council:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Governing body responsible for strategy, budget, fees, policies, appointments, and monitoring. Composition includes internal members (Vice-Chancellor, one DVC, academic and staff reps, two students) and external members (ministerial appointees, six external experts, two Convocation reps). At least 60% external. Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson elected from members.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Senate:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Accountable to Council for academic and research functions (curricula, assessments, admissions standards). Chaired by Vice-Chancellor.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Management Committee (MANCOM):<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Assists Vice-Chancellor with daily management.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Institutional Forum:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Advisory body to Council on equity, transformation, and institutional culture.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Convocation:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0All graduates, diploma holders, academic staff, and retired academic staff. Elects a President (not a full-time employee) and has an Executive Committee.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">SRC:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Represents students under its own Council-approved Constitution.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong><span class=\"\">Key Office-Bearers<\/span><\/strong><\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Chancellor:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Titular head, elected by Council for 5 years (max two terms).<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Vice-Chancellor &amp; Principal:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0CEO and academic head, appointed by Council for 5 years (max two consecutive terms).<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Registrar:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0Secretary to Council and Senate, custodian of records, compliance officer.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong><span class=\"\">Amendments &amp; Rules<\/span><\/strong><\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Amending the Statute requires 75% of Council members present (with at least 75% of all members present).<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Institutional Rules are made by Council and govern detailed procedures.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VUT-CONVOCATION-ELECTIONS-UPDATE-ON-THE-2026-ELECTION-PROCESS.pdf\">Institutional Statute Document<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-502026295\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-502026295\" data-tab-index=\"5\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 5;\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39b8fa3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"39b8fa3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7ecefa elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f7ecefa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><strong><span class=\"\">VUT Nominations and Elections Policy\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The policy establishes a framework for nominations and elections of representatives to statutory committees (Council, Senate, Institutional Forum, and their committees), as well as for interview panels for senior positions. It is based on the South African Constitution and the King IV Report on corporate governance.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Key principles<\/span><\/strong><\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Generally accepted corporate governance principles.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Optimal stakeholder participation.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Reliability and authenticity of election results.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><span class=\"\"><b>Notice and nominations<\/b><\/span><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Relevant stakeholders are informed timeously about nominations or elections. If conducted at a meeting, notice is given at least five working days in advance (unless the Registrar allows otherwise). Nominations received after the closing date are not considered.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Voters\u2019 roll and elections<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">A validated voters\u2019 roll is prepared in advance by the relevant division or faculty. Eligible voters receive information about candidates (e.g., abbreviated CVs) before voting. Ballots are issued in hard copy or electronically (email or web link). Each eligible voter receives one ballot per election. Late ballots are not considered. The Governance Administration Office conducts the election process.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Quorum for elections<\/span><\/strong><\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">For elections at a meeting: a majority of eligible voters must be present unless the Statute or committee charter specifies otherwise.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">For electronic elections: all eligible voters are notified, and non\u2011voters are excluded for quorum purposes.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong><span class=\"\">Ballot methods<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Ballots may use majority vote (first\u2011past\u2011the\u2011post) or preferential voting (ranking). The Registrar determines the appropriate method.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Validation, conflict of interest, and proxies<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">The Registrar verifies and announces election results (only the names of elected persons are published, not vote numbers). A declaration of conflict of interest is signed at all statutory committee meetings.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"\">Proxy voting is not allowed<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0for any statutory governance structure or committee.<\/span><\/p><p><strong><span class=\"\">Filling vacancies<\/span><\/strong><\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">If a position becomes vacant within six months of the election result, the next candidate in the election order fills the remainder of the term.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">If the vacancy arises after six months, a new nominations and election process is held.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p><strong><span class=\"\">Retention and deviations<\/span><\/strong><\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Election documentation is retained as per university rules. Any deviation from this policy requires the Registrar\u2019s written approval.<br \/><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Nominations-and-Election-Policy-00010.pdf\">Nominations and Elections Policy<\/a><br \/><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-502026296\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-502026296\" data-tab-index=\"6\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 6;\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-721b7cd e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"721b7cd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-39cd88c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"39cd88c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11669cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"11669cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Convocation is entrusted with the responsibility of deliberating on and providing input into matters concerning the university\u2019s development as stated in Chapter 10 (5.3) of the VUT Government framework. Its key functions include<\/p><ul><li>Electing the President of Convocation.<\/li><li>Electing three Executive Committee of Convocation (Exco).<\/li><li>Discussing and expressing opinions on issues affecting the university, including matters which may be referred to it by the council.<\/li><li>\u00a0Convocation ensures that alumni have a voice in shaping institutional policies, thereby safeguarding the credibility and value of a VUT qualification.<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Through its structured engagement, Convocation strengthens networks with donors and stakeholders to secure funding opportunities for alumni and convocants in need of financial support to fostering a collaborative and progressive academic environment.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-502026297\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-502026297\" data-tab-index=\"7\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 7;\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98eacf6 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"98eacf6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f4441a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5f4441a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07337f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"07337f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Convocation of VUT comprises the following members:<\/p><ul><li>All graduates and holders of diplomas or credit-bearing certificates from the university.<\/li><li>The Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and all academic staff.<\/li><li>Former professors and associate professors who have been granted emeritus status by the Senate.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"e-n-tab-content-502026298\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-tab-title-502026298\" data-tab-index=\"8\" style=\"--n-tabs-title-order: 8;\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7cbebc4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7cbebc4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f14a111 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f14a111\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb0d8e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bb0d8e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Since its inception, the Office of the Convocation has made significant strides in supporting students and fostering academic success through various initiatives:<\/p><ul><li>Assisted over 220 convocants in settling outstanding fee debts, facilitated through donations and sponsorships.<\/li><li>Supported more than 160 students in the 2025 with their registration fees in collaboration with the Office of Resource Mobilisation and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, Commercialisation, and Internationalisation (RICI).<\/li><li>The office of the President enabled the registration of over 25 postgraduate students, contributing to the advancement of higher education and research at the institution.<\/li><\/ul><p>These achievements reflect the Convocation\u2019s commitment to enhancing access to education, promoting academic excellence, and strengthening the university\u2019s engagement with its alumni and broader community.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Convocation The Vaal University of Technology Convocation is an official body representing the university\u2019s largest community, including alumni and key 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