“Discover how VUT and PRISA’s 2026 roadshow equipped 500 students with industry insights, networking opportunities, and career-ready skills in public relations.”
04 September 2026 | Story by: Tayron Mhlongo | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
4 minutes read time.
Some partnerships make the transition from lecture hall to boardroom feel seamless. On 26 August 2026, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in partnership with the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), the region’s leading professional body for public relations and communication practitioners, turned that vision into reality.
Held at the Desmond Tutu Hall, the VUT-PRISA Roadshow attracted approximately 500 students from VUT’s Public Relations Management and Bachelor of Communication Studies programmes. The event also welcomed second and third-year Public Relations students from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU), creating a vibrant platform for learning, networking and professional development.
In her welcome address, Prof Limpho Lekaota, VUT’s Head of the Department of Tourism and Integrated Communication, highlighted the strong alignment between the University’s academic programmes and PRISA’s professional standards, noting that such partnerships create meaningful pathways into the industry.
“We take this as an opportunity for our students to have that experience of interacting with students from other universities and with the industry,” she said, emphasising the department’s commitment to providing students with valuable networking opportunities and industry exposure.
Prof Lekaota also revealed plans to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with PRISA.
“We are looking forward to actively participating in such workshops in the future for the better exposure of our students to learn more about what the industry requires,” she added, signalling VUT’s continued commitment to producing industry-ready graduates.
Ms Annah Jordan, Office Manager at PRISA, reinforced the importance of lifelong learning in a profession shaped by constant change.
“For you to stay on top of your game, you also need to upskill yourself,” she told students, encouraging them to embrace continuous professional development throughout their careers.
Ms Jordan highlighted PRISA’s professional development offerings, which enable members to enhance their skills while earning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. She also showcased the prestigious PRISM Awards, which include a dedicated student category and recognise emerging talent within the profession. Referencing VUT’s own Mr Rethabile Molehe as a recent top student award recipient, she encouraged students to pursue excellence both academically and professionally.
Additional benefits of PRISA membership include access to employability summits, conferences and networking opportunities, creating valuable connections between students and industry leaders.
The roadshow’s expert presentations explored several critical themes shaping the future of public relations. Sessions examined the implications of social media conduct for communication professionals, unpacked the opportunities and ethical considerations of artificial intelligence in public relations, and addressed the ongoing gap between academic theory and professional practice.
Collectively, the presentations highlighted the qualities increasingly required of modern communication professionals: adaptability, ethical decision-making, strategic thinking and digital literacy.
Students left the event with fresh perspectives on both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with a career in public relations.
Ms Teboho Goniwe, a final-year Bachelor of Communication Studies student at VUT, reflected on the importance of maintaining a professional online presence.
“What stood out for me is how important a digital footprint is. You always have to make sure that whatever you do, you maintain your reputation as someone who is looking for a job,” she said.
Mr Sthembiso September, a third-year Public Relations student at UJ, shared how the discussions on artificial intelligence resonated with him.
“I’ve come to understand that AI plays a crucial role in helping us adapt and recognise that we shouldn’t wait, but rather move with the times. I also learned that networking is essential; we should network as much as possible because it can determine our opportunities in the future,” he said.
Closing the student reflections, Mr Nakhane Mbete, a second-year student at WSU, described the event as both eye-opening and motivating.
“I found the workshop meaningful because today we learnt about things we were never aware of regarding PR. It opened my eyes to how much more there is to the field than I had imagined, and it has motivated me to explore these new insights further in my studies and future career,” he said.
More than a one-day event, the VUT-PRISA Roadshow serves as a strategic platform for strengthening industry partnerships, expanding professional development opportunities and enhancing graduate employability. By exposing students to current industry trends, professional networks and real-world insights, the initiative advances the objectives of VUT Strategy 2033+, particularly its focus on innovation, employability and societal impact.
As VUT continues to build stronger connections between academia and industry, initiatives such as the VUT-PRISA Roadshow ensure that graduates are not only prepared to enter the workforce but are empowered to help shape the future of the communication profession.