3 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On 18 July 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) commemorated Mandela Day with a heartfelt series of community-centred clean-up and beautification activities. Students and staff came together in service, honouring the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela with action and unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Social and Outreach Committee of the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering took the lead, focusing their efforts on transforming the RE Block. Guided by a shared purpose, members of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology joined students in planting flowers beneath campus trees, sweeping and tidying outdoor areas, and repainting weathered tables and chairs. The result was not only a more vibrant and welcoming space but also a moment to reflect on the value of collective effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ms Letsabisa Lerotholi, chairperson of the Social and Outreach Committee, shared her thoughts on the initiative. \u201cWe are not only giving back to communities beyond VUT but have chosen to begin by bringing that spirit of service home. \u201cWe are not only giving back to communities beyond VUT but have chosen to begin by bringing that spirit of service home.\u201d Lecturer Mr Dube added with poetic clarity, \u201cWe are not just planting flowers we are planting the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, the Green Campus Initiative launched its \u201cResidence Living and Learning Clean-up 2025\u201d campaign across VUT\u2019s primary residences. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clear litter, scrub shared areas and repaint faded palisade gates, breathing new life into student spaces. Tshepang Phakane, a third-year Information Technology student and GCI member, said, \u201cI joined GCI because I saw that our environment was being neglected and I wanted to be part of changing that.\u201d Second-year Logistics Management student Tracey added, \u201cMandela Day means doing something meaningful for the community with the community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their words captured the heartbeat of the campaign. Under the banner of \u201cPioneers of a Greener Tomorrow\u201d, these students are not just maintaining spaces. They are taking ownership and fostering a culture of accountability and pride in the place they call home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further uplifting the spirit of the day, the National Tertiary Education Union led a university-wide \u201c67 Minutes\u201d campaign. Under the leadership of Chairperson Ms Kimberly Kempkes, staff and students were called to take pride in the university and embrace a deeper sense of belonging. \u201cThis is our home this is our life for the time that we are here and we need to be proud of our institution. Let us keep it clean so that when you walk out of here you can say it with pride \u2018I studied at VUT I am from VUT\u2019 and hold the brand high.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ms Kempkes reminded the community that a clean and welcoming campus reflects a strong identity and brings people together in shared purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"VUT](\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Mandela-Day-with-VUT-1024x768.webp\")
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