“The Vaal University of Technology honoured 170 long-serving employees at the 2025 VUT Long Service Awards Ceremony, celebrating dedication, excellence and institutional loyalty.“
09 December 2025 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture by: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted a heartfelt and dignified Long Service Awards Ceremony; honouring employees whose dedication and loyalty continue to shape the institution’s legacy. The event, held on Friday, brought together staff, executives, and special guests to celebrate over 170 honourees who have served the University for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years.
The ceremony opened with warm acknowledgements from senior leadership, including members of the Executive Management Team. Attendees were welcomed with appreciation for their enduring contributions, especially those whose service spans more than three decades.
Delivering the opening remarks, Ms Khanyisa Hanisi, Executive Director of Human Resources, welcomed guests and award recipients, highlighting the importance of pausing to recognise loyalty, dedication, and long-standing service to VUT. She emphasised that the Long Service Awards serve as a platform to say, “thank you” and to honour employees who have contributed significantly to the growth and success of the institution, some for as long as 35 years.
She acknowledged the role of management in creating an enabling work environment and encouraged staff to continue pursuing personal and professional development. On behalf of the HR team, she expressed sincere appreciation for all recipients. She wished everyone a safe and restful festive season, reaffirming VUT’s collective commitment to building a sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive university.
She further noted that many of the honourees have journeyed with VUT through periods of transition, growth, and organisational change, showing resilience and consistency in their service.
VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, delivered a powerful keynote message, emphasising the significance of long service in strengthening the University’s heritage.
He paid tribute to 170 long-serving employees whose service spans from 10 to 35 years, describing their loyalty as the foundation upon which VUT has been built. He gave special recognition to the longest-serving awardee, Mr Kwena Moabelo, for more than 35 years of dedicated service, noting his contribution as a living reflection of the institution’s history. Prof Ndlovu emphasised that “VUT’s success is driven not by infrastructure alone, but by committed individuals whose daily work directly supports student success and institutional stability,” said Prof Ndlovu.
He highlighted the critical role played by all categories of staff in sustaining academic, administrative, and operational excellence. Calling for continued professionalism and pride in service, he urged employees to uphold a culture of excellence as VUT advances its Strategy 2033+ and transformation agenda. In closing, he expressed deep appreciation to all award recipients for their unwavering commitment and the legacy they have at the University.
Mr Kwena Moabelo, one of the 35-year recipients, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of all award recipients, emphasising that the ceremony celebrated not only years of service but also the deep commitment and perseverance that have sustained VUT over decades. “I would like to acknowledge employees who have served between 10 and 35 years and beyond, for their impact on students, innovation, and institutional growth”, he added.
He expressed sincere appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, executive management, and all leaders for their continued support and strategic guidance, as well as to the Human Resources and Events teams for organising a meaningful and memorable ceremony. Mr Moabelo also thanked families and loved ones for their unwavering support, recognising that long service is made possible through collective sacrifice. Reflecting on his own 35-year journey at VUT, he expressed humility and pride in being honoured alongside dedicated colleagues. He encouraged the VUT community to remain inspired and committed to building the University’s legacy together.
Closing the ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources & Operations, Mr Scelo Mahlalela reflected on the unwavering spirit of VUT employees, describing them as “the hands that held the institution steady through seasons of difficulty, uncertainty, and change.”
He encouraged staff to remain proud of their work and to continue embodying excellence, accountability, and professionalism.
The ceremony served not only as a recognition event but also as a moment of unity and pride across the institution.
As VUT approaches its 60th anniversary, the Long Service Awards reaffirm the University’s core belief that its greatest strength lies in its people – individuals whose everyday contributions build the institution’s present and shape its future.