“VUT’s IEOMME Department showcases innovation and industry collaboration as Mechanical Engineering students present cutting-edge research and design projects”
11 November 2025 | Story: Staff Reporter | Photo: Supplied
4 minutes read time.
The Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) continues to raise the bar for academic excellence through the Department of Industrial Engineering, Operations Management and Mechanical Engineering (IEOMME). The Mechanical Engineering discipline recently hosted its Final Oral Research Presentations for the Research Methods and Engineering Design Project module, held from 20 October to 1 November 2025. The event stood as a hallmark of innovation, collaboration and student achievement.
This platform marked a significant milestone in the department’s integration of academic learning with real world engineering practice. By transforming student project presentations into a professional forum, the discipline ensures that participants not only fulfil qualification requirements but also develop the technical and communication skills essential for the workplace. The initiative aligns with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) standards, cultivating graduates who demonstrate analytical thinking, design competence and professional integrity.
Under the leadership of module coordinators Professor Alfayo Alugongo and Mr Desejo Filipeson Sozinando, supported by Ms Vhahangwele Sigonde and the Mechanical Engineering team, the module was executed with precision and purpose. Their guidance ensured smooth coordination, meaningful assessment and a professional atmosphere that mirrored industry conferences.
A defining feature of this year’s event was the active participation of industry professionals who brought valuable expertise and authenticity to the evaluation process. Mr Didier Tshimanga (Pr. Eng.: Mechatronics), Director at JECMADI Consulting Supply and Projects, contributed his knowledge as a Competent Person in Fire Risk Assessment and Design Engineering, as well as an ISO 9001:2008 Qualified Internal Auditor. Ms Pako Magagane, representing the Idea to Product Lab under VUT’s Technology Transfer and Innovation Office, offered her expertise in product design, innovation and technology commercialisation. They were joined by several other professionals from the engineering sector who collectively provided constructive feedback and industry insights that elevated the students’ work.
Their involvement underscored the department’s growing commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that classroom learning is complemented by real world application. It also reflected the evolution of the discipline’s project presentations into a mini-conference model that mirrors professional engineering practice. Looking forward, the department aims to invite more ECSA-registered professionals and extend participation to colleagues from other departments within the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and wider exposure to diverse engineering perspectives.
The foundation for this collaborative model was laid during the previous year’s event, when Mr Lefty Sebabi, Senior Manager at ArcelorMittal South Africa, and Mr Williams Sperit, Chief Engineering Designer, played a pioneering role in shaping the evaluation standards that continue to guide the department’s quality assurance efforts.
A highlight of this year’s success was the recognition of top performing students, including Ms Mmabotle Letsela, who was selected to present her research at the prestigious SAIMech Conference hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand on 28 October 2025. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:
“Presenting my research at the SAIMech Conference was an incredible experience that strengthened my confidence as an emerging engineer. It was both humbling and inspiring to share my work with professionals who are shaping the future of our field. The feedback I received has motivated me to continue pushing boundaries, improving my craft and striving for excellence in every stage of my research journey.”
This international platform gave VUT students an opportunity to present their innovative work alongside peers and experts from around the world, a testament to the rising standard of research and innovation within the department.
Since 2024, the department has adopted a transformative approach by treating the Advanced Diploma Research Project module not merely as a classroom exercise but as a simulated engineering conference. Through this model, students tackle industry-relevant problems under professional supervision and are evaluated against global standards. The 2025 presentations affirmed how far the department has advanced in integrating academia with industrial practice.
Looking ahead, the Mechanical Engineering team aims to broaden the diversity of its evaluation panels and strengthen collaboration with industry partners. This forward-thinking approach seeks to enhance interdisciplinary learning, expand research impact and foster projects that address real industrial challenges while promoting innovation and sustainable engineering solutions.
In his closing remarks, Professor Alugongo expressed appreciation to all contributors, students, staff and industry guests for their dedication and teamwork. He emphasised that the success of the event reflects the shared commitment to quality education, professional growth and innovation that defines the IEOMME Department.
Through these initiatives, the department continues to inspire excellence, advance industry collaboration and shape the next generation of mechanical engineers who will drive South Africa’s industrial and technological progress.