By: Selina Rapulane 09 March 2022

VC visiting students in labs

On 2 March Professor Ntate Dan Kgwadi, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), visited the VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park (VUTSGSTP) situated in Sebokeng.

The purpose of the visit was to meet and greet with staff and students as well as go on a walk-about of the campus.

Prof Kgwadi was accompanied by Ms Tandi Mapukata (Acting Director: in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor) and Ms Kediemetse Mokotsi (Acting Executive Director – Advancement and Internationalisation).

On his arrival, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) was welcomed by the following members of the Science Park management:

·         Dr Speech Nelana (Director: Research and Acting Operations Manager at VUTSGSTP),

·         Mr Robert Malatsi (Project Manager and Acting Manager: Sebokeng Technology Station), and

·          Mr Maemo Kobe: Commercialization Manager and Acting Senior Manager: Technology Transfer Office (TTO)

The visit commenced with a briefing, during which the campus management gave a broad overview of the campus.  The team put in effort amongst other things, to present the potential of the Science Park and its alignment to the overall strategy of the institution.  Likewise, the team highlighted some challenges currently facing the campus.

Prof Kgwadi pledged his full support and indicated that the Science Park is a flagship project of the institution, and for that reason, must be supported to ensure it reaches its full potential and flourishes.

After the presentation, Prof Kgwadi and the rest of the management team went on a walk-about of the different facilities within the Science Park precinct.   Although it was a relatively short visit, the Vice-Chancellor was able to interact with some staff members in the shoe-manufacturing factory, Additive Manufacturing Unit (3D Printing) and ICBT.

Prof Kgwadi showed a lot of interest in the strategic partnerships that have been entered with industry partners and different funders, to ensure the continued existence of the campus.  “These will be nurtured, and new partnerships will be established.  This is the flagship of the VUT.  It must be supported”, he said encouragingly.

The VC indicated that a longer, more interactive visit will be coordinated in the future to enable him to interact fully with all elements of the Science Park.