18 June 2025 | Story By: Ngomane Gracious | Picture: Peter Masela
2 minutes read time.
On 13 June 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) brought its vibrant career exhibition team to Suncrest High School, aiming to ignite curiosity and ambition among Grade 11 and 12 learners pursuing Mathematics and Science. The focus was clear: to open young minds to the dynamic possibilities in engineering and student leadership at VUT.
The event spotlighted key programmes under the Department of Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, and Mechanical Engineering (IEOMME), offering learners a glimpse into how sciences play a vital role in engineering education and the engineering world.
Mr John Shivambu, a lecturer from IEOMME, delivered an insightful overview of the engineering pathways available. “Mechanical Engineering is the mother of all engineering disciplines,” he declared, capturing the room’s attention. He went on to explain how Industrial Engineering integrates technical expertise with managerial skills to optimise systems, while Operations Management focuses on people and processes to drive efficiency in production and service delivery. Mechanical Engineering, he added, is rooted in physical science and aims to design, refine and maintain machines and components that shape our everyday world.
Adding a student perspective, Ms Matshidiso Chauke, chairperson of the Operations Management and Industrial Engineering Student Society Organisation (OMIESSO), described the organisation as a lifeline for students navigating their academic journey. “If you need anything related to school or emotional support, we are here,” she said. OMIESSO not only provides peer support and academic guidance but also connects students with scholarships, internships, and opportunities to engage with professionals in the field.
Representing the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMECHE), Ms Amogelang Digashu and Mr Takudzwana Dzvarai shared the inspiring story behind the founding of the VUT student chapter in 2016. Supported by faculty members, the initiative was born from a desire to strengthen the connection between students, the broader SAIMECHE network, and the engineering industry. Their annual events, such as the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) event, the VUT Run Walk and Run, and educational tours, continue to foster professional development and a sense of community.
In closing, Mr Nicholas Maibela, a lecturer from IEOMME, offered heartfelt advice to the learners, encouraging them to remain focused and purposeful in their academic efforts. He stressed the importance of healthy habits, mindful breaks, and peer collaboration. “Work with focused friends, participate in group activities to promote questions and answers from each other, and solve problems together, but do not let study sessions turn into social gatherings,” he advised.
The day concluded on a lively note with a quiz session based on the day’s presentations. Learners who answered correctly were rewarded with pens and key holders, small tokens to remember a day filled with big ideas and even bigger aspirations.