{"id":38154,"date":"2026-06-10T09:23:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T09:23:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=38154"},"modified":"2026-06-10T11:41:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T11:41:43","slug":"vut-strengthens-leadership-capacity-through-supervisory-development-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/vut-strengthens-leadership-capacity-through-supervisory-development-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT strengthens leadership capacity through Supervisory Development Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Twenty Vaal University of Technology staff members celebrated the successful completion of the Supervisory Development Programme in partnership with UP Enterprises, strengthening leadership, communication, and people management skills.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

09 June 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vaal
Vaal University of Technology staff members celebrated the successful completion of the Supervisory Development Programme <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in partnership with the University of Pretoria Enterprises (UP Enterprises), celebrated the successful completion of its Supervisory Development Programme during a certificate ceremony held on 5 June 2026 at the Protea Hotel Fire and Ice in Menlyn, Pretoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceremony recognised 20 staff members who completed the programme, which ran from February to May 2026 and was designed to strengthen supervisory, leadership, communication, and people management competencies. The occasion highlighted VUT’s commitment to developing capable leaders who can drive performance, innovation, and institutional transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcoming guests and graduates, Master of Ceremonies Mrs Surprise Thipe, Product Development Officer in the UP Enterprises Marketing Department, set the tone for the occasion by acknowledging the commitment and dedication demonstrated by participants throughout the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Today we celebrate achievement, growth, and the commitment each one of you has shown towards professional development and excellence in supervision,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivering the keynote address, Programme Leader Professor Chris Lombard challenged graduates to embrace their critical role as first line managers and leaders within the institution. Using the analogy of the “second half of the chessboard”, he highlighted the accelerating pace of change and disruption facing organisations worldwide, including higher education institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professor Lombard emphasised that supervisors occupy one of the most important leadership positions within any organisation because they directly influence service delivery, team performance, and organisational culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Your primary purpose as a leader is to improve performance through and with other people. You are not leaders of targets and key performance indicators alone; you are leaders of people who achieve those outcomes,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He encouraged graduates to position themselves as enablers of strategy and change rather than merely support staff, reminding them that leadership requires continuous learning, relationship building, and the courage to embrace innovation in an increasingly digital and artificial intelligence driven environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professor Lombard further urged participants to create psychologically safe workplaces where teams feel empowered to contribute ideas, collaborate, and drive institutional success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Representing VUT Executive Management, Executive Director for Human Resources, Ms Khanyisa Hanisi, congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to leadership development as a strategic priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She noted that VUT’s investment in staff development reflects the institution’s confidence in its employees’ potential and its commitment to building future ready leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The managers and supervisors of today are the leaders who will shape the future of this institution. We want to see individuals who take their ideas seriously, who challenge themselves, who build positive workplace cultures, and who contribute meaningfully to institutional transformation,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Hanisi encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in their respective departments and to become agents of positive change within the University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She further emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, communication, and creating environments where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute towards the achievement of VUT’s strategic objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme also received praise from the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), represented by Provincial Skills Advisor Ms Sharlene Jacobs. She commended both VUT and the participants for their commitment to professional development and highlighted the importance of effective supervision in achieving organisational success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Jacobs encouraged graduates to continue developing strong communication skills, lead by example, provide constructive feedback, and remain approachable as leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Professional development starts with personal commitment. Continue investing in yourselves because leadership development is a continuous journey,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the programme graduates, Ms Gapenyane Motswana, Head: Faculty Administration in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, described the programme as both rewarding and transformative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The programme was a rewarding experience that helped me strengthen my leadership, communication, and people management skills. It provided practical knowledge and tools that I can apply in my day-to-day responsibilities, enabling me to support my team more effectively and contribute to the institution’s goals,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She added that the programme enhanced her confidence and deepened her understanding of leadership, strategic thinking, conflict management, and team development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The investment made in programmes such as this not only benefits individual employees but also strengthens the institution as a whole. I look forward to applying what I have learned and continuing to grow in my role,” she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of certificates, recognising participants’ successful completion of the programme and their commitment to continuous professional growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs Thipe congratulated all graduates and encouraged them to use the skills and knowledge they had gained to drive excellence in their respective work environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We encourage you to take these skills back into your workplaces and continue to drive excellence. This achievement reflects your hard work, dedication, and commitment to growth,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Supervisory Development Programme forms part of VUT’s broader commitment to developing capable, confident, and transformative leaders who can effectively navigate the evolving higher education landscape while contributing to the University’s long-term success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the 20 graduates return to their respective departments, they do so equipped with enhanced leadership, communication, and people management skills that will contribute to stronger teams, improved performance, and the continued advancement of VUT’s strategic objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr <\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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