“Known to many as one of the faces of VUT, Uthandolwethu Khumalo has graduated with a Diploma in Public Relations Management, proving the value of patience, resilience and meaningful connections.”
16 September 2026 | Story by: Tayron Mhlongo| Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
For many students, staff members and visitors to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), Ms Uthandolwethu Khumalo is a familiar face. Featured on billboards and promotional material across campus, she became one of the recognisable ambassadors of the University.
During VUT’s Spring Graduation ceremonies on 14 September 2026, however, Ms Khumalo stepped into a different spotlight. Instead of representing the institution on billboards, she crossed the stage at the Desmond Tutu Hall to receive her Diploma in Public Relations Management.
For the Sebokeng-born graduate, the achievement represents years of growth, patience and determination.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms Khumalo believes many of the lessons that shaped her success began long before she arrived at university.
“Not getting the things I wanted when I wanted them taught me patience and showed me that what I eventually achieved was often more than what I first imagined. Those childhood tribulations really shaped me,” she said.
Although she adjusted easily to student life, visibility on campus brought unexpected challenges. Serving as a class representative for three consecutive years and later becoming one of the faces of the University meant many people knew her long before she knew them.
“There were people who knew me whom I did not know, and that comes with pressure because everybody is looking at you and you are forced to behave,” she said.
Despite the attention, Ms Khumalo remained grounded through the support of family and friends, as well as the values that had been instilled in her from an early age.
Being in front of a camera, however, never intimidated her.
“I have always loved the camera. I have always been friends with the camera,” she laughed.
Her confidence stems from childhood memories of taking photographs with her father during school holidays. What could have been a daunting experience for others felt natural to her.
“To be honest, I have always believed in myself. I believe I can go even further if I put my mind and attention to it.”
One of the most significant turning points in her academic journey came during her Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement. While many students focus on completing the requirement
as quickly as possible, Ms Khumalo realised that her first placement was not giving her the practical experience she needed to develop professionally.
“I was not doing the work I was supposed to be doing, so I was not growing in that environment,” she explained.
Faced with a difficult decision, she chose growth over convenience. Rather than remain in a position that offered limited development, she left and secured placement at a public relations firm where she could gain meaningful industry experience.
The decision delayed her graduation, but she has no regrets.
“That is why I am graduating in the spring season and not in April, because I did not want to compromise my WIL experience. What you learn in the classroom is absolutely different from what you actually get to do on the ground. I am glad I took that decision,” she said.
For Ms Khumalo, the experience reinforced an important lesson: success is not simply about completing a qualification; it is about ensuring that every step of the journey contributes to personal and professional growth.
As she celebrated her graduation, she reflected on what she would tell her younger self and current students navigating their own university journeys.
Her advice is simple but powerful.
“Build your network. Build healthy relationships. You do not move as if it is an island, as if you are the only person,” she said.
“You are not going to do it alone. Absolutely not. You have to build a network, and that is what is going to get you going.”
As VUT marks its 60th anniversary and celebrates another class of graduates, Ms Khumalo’s story serves as a reminder that success is built not only through hard work and determination, but also through the relationships we cultivate along the way.
Having spent years representing the University on billboards and promotional campaigns, Ms Khumalo now leaves with something even more significant: a qualification, valuable industry experience and a deeper understanding of the person she has become through her VUT journey.