“VUT joins partners at Vaal Youth Empowerment Week, advancing Strategy 2033+ and youth development during the University’s 60th milestone.”
21 April 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
Sebokeng, Gauteng – The Vaal Youth Empowerment Week, currently underway from 20 to 24 April 2026 at Kononia Bible Church, continues to bring together leaders from business, higher education, government, and community organisations in a unified response to youth unemployment, skills development, and economic inclusion.
Founded by Mr Simphiwe Masiza, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Empowa Worx, the initiative has created a platform focused on practical solutions for young people in the Vaal region and beyond. Through strategic partnerships, including the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), the programme reflects a shared commitment to empowering youth through innovation, collaboration, and opportunity.
VUT’s participation as a partner aligns with its Strategy 2033+ vision of producing graduates who are not only employable, but capable of driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Taking place during the University’s 60th milestone year, the initiative further reflects VUT’s enduring commitment to shaping a generation that is equipped to respond to the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology driven economy.
Among the key contributors was Professor Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation (RICI) at VUT. In his address, he positioned higher education as a critical driver of economic transformation in an era defined by artificial intelligence and digital disruption.
“Universities must move beyond traditional teaching models and become institutions that build capability, adaptability, and entrepreneurship,” he said. “We are preparing young people not just for jobs, but for participation in a digital and innovation driven economy.”
Professor Nelana highlighted key institutional partnerships with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA), and the Vaal Special Economic Zone. These collaborations, he noted, are designed to bridge the gap between education and real economic opportunities.
He also pointed to flagship initiatives such as the E-Skills Department and Ekasi Labs, which are focused on advancing digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and township innovation. Programmes in footwear manufacturing and additive manufacturing further demonstrate how academic learning can be translated into enterprise development and job creation.
Other speakers reinforced the central message of empowerment. Reverend Dan Motaung encouraged resilience and purpose, while Ms Nomzamo Moalusi, Marketing and Communications Manager at Primedia Outdoor, emphasised the importance of combining qualifications with adaptability, communication skills, and critical thinking in an AI influenced workplace.
Bishop Dulton Keith Adams, Chairperson of Committees in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, delivered a message of transformation and determination, urging young people to recognise their potential and pursue meaningful change. Additional contributions highlighted the importance of balancing technological advancement with human creativity and leadership.
Reflections from attendees underscored the impact of the programme. Ms Lerato Mekgalo described the initiative as life changing, noting that it restored hope and demonstrated the power of collective investment in youth development. Mr Gopolang Dithako echoed this sentiment, describing the week as a movement of action and possibility, driven by young people eager to shape their future.
As the week continues, the Vaal Youth Empowerment Week stands not as a concluded event, but as an ongoing platform of engagement, learning, and collaboration. It reflects what becomes possible when institutions, industry, and communities work together with intention, ensuring that the promise of the next generation is matched by opportunity, support, and purposeful action.