24 June 2025 | Story By: Thabisang Thebeeapelo | Picture: Peter Masela
4 minutes read time.
On 12 June 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) convened a Teaching and Learning Strategic Workshop at the VUT Conference Centre, held under the theme “VUT Strategy Refresh”. The workshop provided a dedicated space to reflect on and strengthen the university’s Teaching and Learning Strategy, inviting both academic and administrative colleagues to reimagine their roles in advancing VUT’s core academic mission.
In her opening address, Dr Mukondeleli Kanakana-Katumba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, welcomed participants and framed the purpose of the day. She clarified that the session focused specifically on reviewing and refining VUT’s Teaching and Learning strategic framework. Dr Kanakana-Katumba encouraged staff to consider how their daily academic and support functions contribute to student success, academic excellence, and the broader relevance of the university. She urged all participants to reconnect with VUT’s foundational values and reaffirm their shared commitment to quality education.
The day’s programme was facilitated by Mr Koffi Kouakou, Managing Director of Stratnum Futures, who steered the sessions with a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, collaborative problem-solving, non-negotiables, and academic leadership in Teaching and Learning for VUT.
A key presentation was delivered by Mr Beni Letebele and Professor Michael Gering of iAfrika, external strategic consultants. Professor Gering underscored the importance of positioning heads of department as drivers of academic and financial sustainability, noting that the generation of income through teaching, research, and partnerships is critical to informed investment decisions. The consultants also addressed the need to map workload distribution across the academic enterprise, identifying over- or under-resourced areas to ensure optimal use of internal capacity in delivering on the Teaching and Learning mandate.
Faculty perspectives further enriched the day’s reflections. Executive Deans Professor Christa Grobler, Professor Khaled Abou-El-Hossein, Professor Lazarus Maleho, and Professor Chengedzai Mafini presented on how their respective faculties are aligning with and implementing the Teaching and Learning Strategy. Their presentations highlighted innovative approaches to curriculum transformation, academic support, and programme delivery. Each session was followed by a Q&A segment, providing opportunities for deeper engagement and clarification.
A pivotal moment in the workshop was the Traffic Light Exercise, where participants evaluated the strategic objectives of the Teaching and Learning portfolio using a red-yellow-green system to assess levels of alignment, progress, and performance. This was followed by a review of the Strategic Scorecard Summary, which highlighted institutional successes, areas requiring attention, and the need for consistent alignment between operations and strategic intent.
Further sessions included stakeholder insights and an impact analysis, which unpacked both current challenges and future opportunities in the academic space. The Scenario Mapping exercise invited participants to imagine possible futures for VUT’s Teaching and Learning environment, prompting dynamic discussions about adaptability, innovation, and long-term academic sustainability.
One of the key contributions was made by Mrs Nthanyiseni Dhumazi, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on procurement processes and how procurement will better support the academic project. She explained that some procurement functions will be delegated back to faculties and departments, like how things operated before centralisation. The centralisation had overlooked the existing capacity within the procurement team, and there are capable personnel within faculties and departments to handle certain procurement tasks effectively. She concluded her presentation by emphasizing the importance of planning, stating, “I think what is very critical is your planning, as your non-planning impacts our planning as well.”
Following the CFO’s presentation, Mrs Mpho Papo, the Interim Executive Director, provided an update on the progress of Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) funding and VUT masterplan. She presented a detailed table outlining projects funded across six cycles, from 2012 to 2023. The table showed the number of projects per cycle and offered a clear view of their current phases, including those that are completed, awarded, on hold, pending, or still under committee review. Mrs Papo also highlighted that implementation of the university’s Masterplan is now underway despite some delays. The institution has entered the phase of conceptualising and planning the various projects included in the Masterplan, marking a significant step toward long-term infrastructure development and alignment with strategic priorities.
In place of Dr Nelana, Mr Maemo Kobe, the Executive director for Technology Transfer Innovation (TTI) addressed the audience on matters relating to research development. He noted that the current research incentives require revision to better align with institutional goals and to motivate academic staff more effectively. He further acknowledged ongoing challenges with research capacity, stating that the portfolio is developing plans to invest in impactful funding models and structured mentorship programmes. These initiatives aim to support researchers across all levels, particularly emerging scholars, and to build a stronger, more sustainable research culture within the university. Mrs S Nortje then presented on recruitment processes and addressed the challenges of lead time.
Mr Kouakou concluded the day’s deliberations with a reflective quote from British author E.M. Forster: “How do I know what I think until I see what I say?” His closing remarks reminded participants of the transformative power of dialogue and expression in clarifying strategic direction and strengthening institutional purpose.