“The VUT Choir unveils a new University anthem during the 2026 Spring Graduations, celebrating VUT’s history, identity and sense of belonging.”
07 October 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe| Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
Long after they have graduated and left campus, the voices of today’s VUT Choir members will continue to echo through the University.
As the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) celebrated its 60th anniversary during the 2026 Spring Graduation ceremonies, the VUT Choir unveiled the University’s new anthem, becoming the first group to perform a song that will form part of VUT’s identity for generations to come.
For the choristers who helped bring the anthem to life, the moment was about more than music. It was about contributing to a lasting piece of VUT’s history.
For choir conductor Mr Vumile Nomanyana, watching the anthem debut before graduates, families, staff and guests was an emotional experience.
“It is overwhelming. It is a feeling that I cannot even describe,” he said.
Behind the performance were months of commitment and sacrifice. Choir members rehearse from Monday to Thursday between 16:00 and 18:00, balancing practices with lectures, assignments, tests and examinations.
For Mr Nomanyana, what makes the experience special is seeing students willingly dedicate their time and energy to something bigger than themselves.
“These students sacrifice their study time to come and rehearse. When you see the satisfaction and the pleasure that touches the hearts and minds of the audience, then it becomes an overwhelming feeling,” he said.
For choir member Ms Relebohile Masiu, the anthem represents something every student seeks during their university journey: a sense of belonging.
“It is something that’s going to give us a sense of belonging,” she said. “Having an anthem that says you belong as a VUT student.”
As the choir prepared for the launch, members found themselves learning more about the University’s history and the journey that led to its Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The process helped them appreciate not only where VUT is today, but also the legacy built over six decades.
Fellow chorister Ms Andile Ntuli said the anthem was carefully crafted to reflect the University’s diverse community.
“He wanted to make sure that it reflects the culture of the university,” she said of Mr Nomanyana’s vision for the song. “He wanted to represent everyone, from staff members to students.”
For Ms Ntuli, the experience carries a special significance.
“I think as a chorister, I am glad to be a part of history when it is spoken about in the future,” she said.
That sense of history is shared by Ms Boniswa Hlanzela, Chairperson of the VUT Choir, who believes the anthem captures the spirit of unity and innovation that defines the institution.
“VUT, we stand as one in innovation,” she said, reflecting on the anthem’s message.
As the final notes rang out during the graduation ceremonies, the anthem became more than just a new composition. It became a symbol of a shared identity, connecting students, staff, alumni and future generations through a common sense of pride and belonging.
For the graduates celebrating their achievements, it marked the beginning of a new tradition. For the choir members who introduced it to the University community, it marked something even more special: the knowledge that their voices will forever be part of VUT’s story.
As VUT enters its next chapter, the anthem stands as a reminder that while students may eventually leave the University, some of the contributions they make remain long after they have gone.