“VUT celebrates 15 graduates of its ICT Business Development and 3D Printing program, delivered with SASSETA.”
04 August 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Peter Masela
5 minutes read time.
The e-Skills Department, housed within the centre for Academic Development (CAD) at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), celebrated the achievements of 15 graduates during the ICT Business Development and 3D Printing Certificate Ceremony. It was held at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall Foyer on 31 July 2026.
The event marked the successful completion of a six-month program that equipped participants with digital manufacturing expertise, internationally recognised technical certifications and entrepreneurial skills to pursue sustainable technology-based enterprises.
Hosted in partnership with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), the program reflects VUT’s commitment to advancing digital innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development by supporting young people to pursue opportunities as job creators, innovators and contributors to South Africa’s growing digital economy. The graduates, University leaders, industry partners and government representatives gathered to celebrate the graduates’ resilience and determination as they embarked on the next chapter of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Mr Darryl Lund, Project Manager and Facilitator, reflected on the significance of the occasion, saying, “Today is a celebration of perseverance, achievement and opportunity. By embracing the challenges of additive manufacturing, digital design and advanced problem-solving, our graduates have equipped themselves with the competencies needed to thrive at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We are proud of what they have accomplished and excited about the impact they will make in industry and their communities.”
Setting the scene, Ms Antoinette Lombard, Director of the VUT e-Skills CoLab, highlighted the transformative nature of the program, saying, “This program was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and enterprise development. It is not only about equipping participants with technical skills, but about developing entrepreneurs who can drive innovation, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s digital economy. Over the past six months, our participants have
received comprehensive training in additive manufacturing (3D printing), digital product design, internationally recognised SOLIDWORKS certification, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) business development, entrepreneurship, business registration, and legal compliance. They have also gained practical business support and access to equipment, empowering them to launch technology-based enterprises with confidence.”
Delivering a message of support on behalf of SASSETA, Ms Refilwe Motloung congratulated the graduates on their achievement, saying, “Congratulations on reaching this important milestone. The knowledge and skills you have gained through this program have equipped you to develop innovative businesses that can address local challenges, create employment opportunities and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth. Partnerships that invest in digital skills development and entrepreneurship are essential to tackling unemployment and strengthening our country’s innovation ecosystem. We encourage you to use what you have learned to make a meaningful impact in your communities and beyond.”
Representing the graduating class, Mr Stembele Dlepu delivered an emotional message of appreciation, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that shaped the cohort’s journey.
“It’s not about how you start or even the roadblocks along the way; it’s about how you cross the finish line,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the University and its partners, Mr Dlepu added, “On behalf of the students, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to VUT, SASSETA and everyone who recognised our potential, invested in our development and equipped us with the skills to build sustainable technology businesses.”
He also thanked the program facilitators and mentors for their unwavering support, saying, “We know that you are still here on campus, and we will continue to seek your guidance whenever we need it because we are still learning and growing.”
Concluding his address, Mr Dlepu expressed confidence that initiatives such as this have the potential to combat unemployment by equipping young people with practical entrepreneurial skills and empowering them to transform innovative ideas into successful enterprises.
The excitement of the day was shared by fellow graduate Mr Lerato Motsele, who described the program as both demanding and rewarding. “The program was challenging, but I achieved my goal of acquiring a new set of skills. My next chapter is dedicated to starting a productive business and improving my existing business,” he said.
His sentiments echoed those of his fellow graduates, many of whom leave the program equipped with the confidence and capability to establish businesses that will contribute to local economic development and employment creation.
Delivering the congratulatory message, Prof Muntuwenkosi Chili, Executive Director: center for Academic Development, applauded the graduates for their resilience, commitment and willingness to embrace emerging technologies. He encouraged them to continue building on the knowledge and experience gained during the program, reminding them that innovation, lifelong learning and discipline would be key to sustaining successful businesses in an increasingly competitive digital economy.
In closing, Mr Darryl Lund delivered the vote of thanks, expressing sincere appreciation to SASSETA, program partners, facilitators, mentors and all stakeholders whose collaboration ensured the success of the initiative. He also thanked the graduates’ families for their encouragement and support throughout the program and congratulated the graduates on reaching a significant milestone in their professional and entrepreneurial development.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates, symbolising more than the successful completion of a training program. It celebrated the emergence of a cohort of digitally skilled graduates prepared to harness technology, pursue innovation and contribute to economic development.
Through initiatives such as the vut ict business development and 3d printing, VUT empowers graduates with practical skills.
Additionally, it fosters confidence and entrepreneurial insight needed to transform communities through innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.