VUT honoured industry partners at the 2025 Employer Awards Function held at Three Rivers Lodge, recognising organisations for their role in student development and celebrating the theme “The Power of Partnership.”
02 December 2025 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture by: Peter Masela
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), through its Department of Cooperative Education, hosted the annual Employer Awards Function on 28 November 2025 at Three Rivers Lodge. Guided by the theme “The power of partnership”, the event celebrated the critical role that industry collaboration plays in shaping student employability and advancing academic industry relations.
Mrs Kimberley Kempkes, Executive Administrator, presided over the ceremony and welcomed guests warmly. She conveyed apologies on behalf of Dr Moletsane, Director of Cooperative Education, who could not attend, and shared the long-standing tradition she and Dr Moletsane observe of opening gatherings with a traditional dance. She honoured the tradition by performing the dance herself, drawing enthusiastic participation from attendees and setting a joyful, memorable tone for the evening. She affirmed that academic industry collaboration continues to drive educational innovation and professional readiness.
Dr Mukondeleli Grace Kanakana Katumba, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, delivered the institutional address. She reflected on the transformative impact of purposeful partnerships, noting that meaningful change in communities begins when institutions and industries collaborate with shared intent. She emphasised the urgency of addressing unemployment in South Africa and called for even stronger cooperation to create sustainable opportunities for young people.
Introducing the keynote speaker, Dr Muntuwenkosi Chili, Executive Director of the Centre for Academic Development (CAD), highlighted the value of the evening’s theme. Mr Moalosi Jerry Seletisha, Senior Specialist for Youth Development at the Transnet Academy, delivered an inspiring keynote in which he stressed that empowering young people through education is essential for the longevity and growth of industries. He noted that youth bring innovation, curiosity and technological insight, all of which propel industrial evolution. He applauded VUT as a trusted partner and encouraged continued investment in youth development to secure the next generation of industry leaders.
Awards and recognitions
Industry partners were honoured across three categories: Excellence, Merit and Participation, recognising their contributions to workplace learning, student development and cooperative education. Awards were presented by Mrs Kempkes, Mr Edwin Mabelane (Acting Director: Cooperative Education), Dr Chili, Mr Mothusi Samosamo (Learning Development Coordinator, CAD), and Dr Corneli van der Walt (First Year Experience Coordinator, CAD).
Excellence Category
BANKSETA, Cathsseta, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), MICTSETA, and W&RSETA.
Merit Category
ArcelorMittal South Africa, Best Enough Laboratory Services, De Tect Unit Inspection, Eskom Lethabo Power Station, Idwala Industrial Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Scaw Metals, and Transnet Academy Faculty of Leadership and Functional Development.
Participation Category
Aberdare Cables, Barnes Reinforcing Industries, Calderys South Africa, Cape Gate (Pty) Ltd, City Power, Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Dixon Batteries, Eskom Kriel Power Station, Eskom Matla Power Station, Eskom NTCSA, GM Voogt cc, Kels and Mels Travels, Lancet Laboratory, Macrocomm Group (Pty) Ltd, Mikovhe Electrical and Training Projects (Pty) Ltd, Ontec, PML Travel and Logistics, Premier FMCG, QK Group SA, Rolfes Leather (Pty) Ltd, Umzamo Analytical Services and VGL Dimensions.
During the reflections segment, several attendees shared their appreciation for the event and the importance of collaboration. Ms Lebohang Mokoena, Marketing Supervisor at Tshegofentse Facilities and Engineering, expressed her organisation’s motivation and pride, noting that even without receiving an award, the event reaffirmed their commitment to partnership.
Her colleague, Ms Lerato Mkhunjulwa, Supervisor at Tshegofentse Facilities and Engineering, echoed these sentiments. She underscored the value of industry university collaboration in creating meaningful pathways for student growth and affirmed her organisation’s confidence that continued partnership with VUT will strengthen the development of future professionals.
In closing, Professor Lazarus Maleho, Executive Dean of Human Sciences, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners for their dedication and support. He emphasised that collective effort enables progress, urging stakeholders to continue inspiring, uplifting and leading through collaboration. The ceremony concluded with words of appreciation for all presenters, followed by a formal handover to the keynote speaker, Mr Moalosi Seletisha, by VUT representatives.