{"id":44271,"date":"2026-10-13T12:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T12:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=44271"},"modified":"2026-10-13T13:59:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:59:44","slug":"meet-the-contenders-vut-community-to-vote-for-first-official-mascot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/meet-the-contenders-vut-community-to-vote-for-first-official-mascot\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the contenders: VUT community to vote for first official mascot"},"content":{"rendered":"

“The countdown is on! VUT will reveal three mascot contenders and five possible names. Vote for the face that will represent VUT’s pride, spirit and future.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

13 October 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: <\/strong> Siphephelo Dlamini<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Something big is coming to VUT, and it has a face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 16 October 2026, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) will unveil three exciting mascot concepts, giving students, staff and stakeholders the chance to help choose the University’s very first official mascot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But this isn’t just about picking a character. It’s about choosing a symbol that will embody the energy, pride, spirit and personality of VUT for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a first for the University, the VUT community will vote not only for their favourite mascot design but also for its name from five proposed options. The winning choice will become part of the VUT story, appearing at sporting events, student activities, special celebrations, digital platforms and University campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to VUT Marketing and Brand Manager Ms Tisch Farrell, the mascot project was inspired by the University’s commitment to strengthening its identity and creating deeper connections across the VUT community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The introduction of the University’s first official mascot represents more than the creation of a character. It is the creation of a new brand asset with the potential to connect generations of VUT students, staff, alumni and stakeholders,” says Ms Farrell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the mascot designs remain a closely guarded secret, excitement is already building across campus as the countdown to the reveal continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will VUT choose a mascot that reflects innovation? One that captures resilience? Or one that celebrates the vibrant student spirit that makes VUT unique?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For now, the answer remains under wraps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is certain is that every vote will help shape a symbol that future generations of students will recognise and proudly call their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Ultimately, the mascot is intended to become a shared expression of ‘This Is My VUT’, something the University community can see, recognise and make its own,” Ms Farrell explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative forms part of VUT’s journey beyond its 60th Anniversary celebrations, bridging the University’s rich heritage with an exciting future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So get ready. Bring your voice. Cast your vote. Leave your mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

YOUR VOTE. YOUR VOICE. YOUR LEGACY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The official unveiling takes place on Friday, 16 October 2026, at 12:00 at the VUT Amphi Theatre<\/strong>, where the VUT community will meet the three mascot contenders and vote for the face and name that will become part of VUT history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OUR FUTURE HAS A FACE.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

#VUTMascotVote #ThisIsMyVUT #OurFutureHasAFace<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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