“VUT celebrated its administrators at Administrators’ Day 2026, where Ms Ntswaki Kunene was named Administrator of the Year in recognition of her dedication, professionalism and service excellence.”
09 September 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
5 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) celebrated the dedication, professionalism and invaluable contributions of its administrative professionals during the VUT Administrators’ Day Celebration 2026, held at Emerald Resort & Casino in Vanderbijlpark on Friday, 4 September 2026.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of Ms Ntswaki Kunene, Executive Administrator to the Chief Financial Officer, Ms Nthanyiseni Dhumazi, as the VUT Administrator of the Year 2026, a prestigious recognition acknowledging her commitment to service excellence, professionalism and leadership within the institution.
The annual celebration brought together administrators from across the University to recognise the critical role they play in supporting institutional operations, strengthening governance, enabling decision-making and ensuring the smooth functioning of the University.
Ms Kunene joined VUT in December 2015 and has built an impressive career through progressively responsible positions, including serving as a Committee Officer and Administrator. In her current role within the Finance Division, she provides high-level executive, administrative and secretariat support, contributing to committee governance, audit processes, budgeting, executive coordination and institutional reporting.
Her extensive experience includes supporting senior leadership, coordinating institutional committees, advising on governance and meeting procedures, preparing minutes and action lists, and ensuring the effective implementation and communication of institutional decisions.
Five administrators were nominated for the 2026 Administrator of the Year Award: Ms Juliet Hector, Ms Retha Visagie, Ms Tiyiselani Rikhotso, Ms Lerato Hlahla and Ms Ntswaki Kunene.
Receiving the award, Ms Kunene expressed her appreciation to her colleagues and all those who supported her nomination.
“I am truly grateful for this recognition. It is an honour to be recognised among colleagues who are equally committed to serving the University. My philosophy has always been ‘I Connect, I Support & I Go Beyond’. I believe that as administrators, our contribution goes beyond the tasks assigned to us. It is about supporting people, strengthening our institution and making a meaningful difference,” she said.
Her personal philosophy reflects a modern view of administration as a profession that extends beyond routine processes to enabling collaboration, supporting leadership and creating value throughout the institution.
Programme Director, Ms Kimberly Kempkes, noted that the rapidly changing workplace continues to redefine the role of administrators.
“As the working environment evolves with technology and artificial intelligence, our responsibility is not only to adapt but also to continue developing ourselves, strengthening our skills and adding
strategic value to the institution. Administrators’ Day provides an important opportunity to recognise the contribution of our colleagues and to remind ourselves of the impact of the work we do every day,” she said.
The day’s programme encouraged administrators to think strategically about their roles and the contribution they make to the University’s success.
Addressing the gathering, Mr James Sibeko, Managing Member of Jabatha, the event’s main sponsor, reminded attendees that much of the work administrators perform may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the institution.
“Today is about celebrating your impact and honouring the dedication and professionalism that you bring to VUT every day. The work of administrators is fundamental to the effective functioning of any institution. While some of your contributions may happen behind the scenes, their impact is felt across the University,” he said.
He further encouraged administrators to maintain high professional standards, work with integrity and take pride in the difference they make to colleagues, students and the institution.
The event also incorporated the annual VUT Administrators Forum (VUTAF) Annual General Meeting, providing a platform for administrators to engage on matters affecting their professional community and to elect new leadership.
The newly elected VUTAF Executive Committee comprises:
· Kimberly Kempkes – Chairperson
· Theorance Mushwana – Deputy Chairperson
· Naledi Thapeli – Treasurer
· Caroline Maselela – Events
· Thando Rachidi – Marketing and Public Relations
· Ntswaki Kunene – Secretary
· Elizabeth Motaung – Training
The committee will play an important role in advancing professional development, communication, engagement and representation among administrators across the University.
Speaking about her new role as Training Officer, Ms Elizabeth Motaung highlighted the importance of lifelong learning and professional growth.
“Training and continuous learning are essential if we are going to remain relevant in a changing workplace. I would like to encourage our administrators to make use of training opportunities, develop their skills and invest in themselves so that they can continue growing and contributing meaningfully to the University,” she said.
The celebration also recognised individual acts of dedication and service. Ms Erika Heiberg, Senior Administrator in the Operations and Logistics Department, received a special recognition award for consistently going above and beyond to assist colleagues during her 22 years of service to the University ahead of her retirement.
Her nomination, supported by colleagues who described her as selfless, dependable and always willing to help, reflected the values that Administrators’ Day seeks to celebrate.
For Ms Kathy Dhumazi, the event served as an important reminder of the value administrators bring to the institution.
“We would like to thank the committee for organising such a meaningful event and for creating an opportunity to recognise our administrators. Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients. Each of you has demonstrated commitment and dedication, and your contributions to VUT are valued and appreciated,” she said.
Administrators’ Day 2026 was therefore more than a celebration. It was a reaffirmation of the important role administrative professionals play in advancing the University’s mission and supporting its strategic objectives.
As VUT recognised the collective contribution of its administrators, the recognition of Ms Ntswaki Kunene as Administrator of the Year 2026 stood as a powerful example of excellence, professionalism and service. Her achievement not only celebrates her individual contribution but also reflects the dedication of the many administrators whose work keeps the University moving forward every day.