“The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted a Student Support Services handover ceremony, providing essential equipment to student organisations to strengthen leadership, accountability, and student engagement.”
12 May 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Keitumetsi Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) reaffirmed its commitment to student development, leadership and active campus participation during a Student Support Services handover ceremony held at the Desmond Tutu Foyer, Vanderbijlpark Campus, on 12 May 2026.
The event marked the official handover of essential equipment to political student organisations following engagements earlier this year between Executive Director of Student Support Services, Dr Gugulethu Xaba, and various student leadership structures. The discussions focused on understanding the operational challenges faced by student organisations and identifying practical ways to strengthen their functionality, visibility and impact within the university community.
Facilitated through the Student Leadership and Governance (SLG) Unit, the initiative forms part of VUT’s broader vision to create an inclusive, supportive and development-oriented campus environment where student leadership is empowered to contribute meaningfully to institutional growth and transformation.
Opening the ceremony, Acting Director for Student Life and Governance, Mr Poko Mahooa, welcomed student leaders and stakeholders, describing the occasion as a milestone moment for both student organisations and the wider university community.
“We have been asking for this day to come, and today it has finally happened. This is an important moment for student organisations and for the university community as a whole,” said Mr Mahooa.
He further emphasised the importance of accountability and the responsible use of university resources, urging student organisations to ensure that the equipment benefits the broader student body.
“It will be unjust for me not to acknowledge the work that has been done behind the scenes to make this initiative a success. We ask student leaders to protect and use these resources responsibly,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Gugulethu Xaba challenged student leaders to reposition themselves as agents of positive social change and active contributors to the university’s development agenda.
“One of the biggest responsibilities of student leadership is to become drivers of social change. Leadership must not only focus on protests and conflict but also on building solutions that improve the university and society,” said Dr Xaba.
Reflecting on growing concerns around violence, destruction of property and the negative perceptions often associated with student activism in higher education institutions, Dr Xaba
encouraged student leaders to embrace constructive engagement, innovation and collaborative problem solving.
“We need student organisations that build rather than destroy. We need leadership that protects the image and future of the university while advocating for students responsibly,” he stated.
Dr Xaba further highlighted the importance of political education, leadership development and accountability within student structures. He encouraged student organisations to use the resources provided to create impactful programmes that address student challenges while enhancing campus life and student engagement.
“This handover is not just about equipment. It is an investment in future leaders, future professionals and future nation builders,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the support and resources provided would enable student organisations to execute programmes more effectively, strengthen student participation and contribute positively towards social cohesion across campus.
Student Representative Council (SRC) Legal Officer, Ms Ndzalama Baloyi, delivered a message of appreciation on behalf of student organisations, welcoming the initiative as a positive step towards strengthening collaboration between student leadership and university management.
“We look forward to working with the institution to ensure accountability and to continue solving real student problems. Where there is injustice, we will continue to stand up, but we also recognise the importance of constructive progress and partnership,” said Ms Baloyi.
The handover ceremony symbolised a renewed commitment to dialogue, collaboration and student empowerment at VUT. Beyond the equipment itself, the initiative reflected a broader institutional vision centred on responsible leadership, partnership and shared progress.
As VUT continues to invest in student leadership development, the initiative stands as a reminder that meaningful transformation is achieved when universities and student leaders work together towards a shared vision of accountability, growth and academic success.