“VUT Spring Graduation 2026 celebrates 745 Diamond Jubilee graduates challenged to turn knowledge, innovation and qualifications into meaningful societal impact.”
06 October 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
For hundreds of Vaal University of Technology (VUT) graduates, crossing the graduation stage was more than receiving a qualification. It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance and determination, as well as a moment shared with families, friends and loved ones who had supported them every step of the way.
VUT concluded its 2026 Spring Graduation season on 16 September after three days of ceremonies at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, celebrating the achievements of approximately 745 graduates.
The graduating class included 542 diploma graduates, 139 Advanced Diploma graduates, nine bachelor’s degree graduates and 55 postgraduate diploma graduates. Yet behind every qualification was a unique story of resilience, ambition and hope for a better future.
As the University celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Class of 2026 holds a special place in VUT’s history as its Diamond Jubilee graduates.
Addressing the graduates, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Khehla Ndlovu reminded them that graduation is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new responsibility.
“Graduation is never merely the conclusion of study. It is the beginning of responsibility. It is the moment when knowledge meets the world and must prove its worth,” he said.
He encouraged graduates to view their qualifications as tools for positive change and to use their knowledge to address the challenges facing communities, industries and society.
“Your qualifications are not merely credentials. They are instruments of change,” Prof Ndlovu told graduates.
His message resonated with many graduates preparing to enter a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advancement, innovation and new opportunities. Whether pursuing careers in technology, engineering, business, science or entrepreneurship, graduates were challenged to become innovators, problem-solvers and ethical leaders.
While the ceremonies celebrated academic achievement, they also highlighted the powerful role families play in helping students reach graduation day.
For Mr Surprise Mlambo, watching his son graduate was an emotional moment years in the making.
“I feel extremely happy because, among my sons, he is the first one to wear the gown and graduate,” he said.
His pride reflected the experiences of many families who filled the graduation venue with cheers, tears and celebration. For them, graduation represented not only an individual achievement but also the fulfilment of a shared dream.
Mr Mlambo’s hopes for his son were simple yet heartfelt.
“May God help him to continue moving forward and achieving his goals,” he said.
For graduate Mr Nkosana Ndaba, who completed his qualification in Financial Information Systems, the occasion marked the end of a journey that was not without its challenges.
“I am so excited. I have waited a long time for this day, and it has finally arrived. It was not easy, but we made it,” he said.
His words captured a reality familiar to many graduates. Behind every graduation photograph lies a story of long nights, academic pressure, financial challenges and moments of doubt that had to be overcome.
Despite the obstacles, Mr Ndaba persevered and encouraged current students to do the same.
“Education is the key. Let us push and pray. Keep going, and you will eventually reach your goals,” he said.
This spirit of resilience was evident throughout the graduation season as graduates from diverse backgrounds walked across the stage, each carrying their own story of determination and success.
Another memorable moment of the 2026 Spring Graduation ceremonies was the introduction of the VUT Anthem, unveiled during the University’s Diamond Jubilee year. The anthem added a sense of pride and unity to the celebrations, serving as a reminder of the institution’s history, values and shared identity.
As VUT looks towards the future through Strategy 2033+, the graduates of 2026 now become part of a legacy stretching back six decades. They join thousands of alumni who have gone on to contribute to industry, government, entrepreneurship, research and community development.
The challenge before them extends beyond finding employment or building successful careers. It is about using their knowledge, skills and experience to create opportunities, solve problems and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
As Prof Ndlovu reminded the graduates: “Let integrity define you. Let service to society remain your compass.”
For the Diamond Jubilee Class of 2026, the graduation stage marked more than the end of their studies. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one in which the knowledge they gained at VUT has the potential to shape not only their futures, but also the future of the communities and industries they will serve.