“VUT marked its 60 Years of Excellence by hosting a networking event for Sedibeng TVET College employees who are VUT alumni”
15 July 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Peter Masela
3 minutes read time.
As part of its 60 Years of Excellence celebrations, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Alumni Relations Unit hosted a networking session for VUT graduates employed at Sedibeng Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. Held on Saturday, 11 July 2026, at Lock Stock and Barrel in Three Rivers, the gathering celebrated shared experiences while reaffirming the University’s commitment to building meaningful and lasting relationships with its alumni.
The event brought together graduates from a range of disciplines, including Business Administration, Office Management and Retail Business Management. It provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, reflect on their professional journeys and explore ways of contributing to the continued growth and development of their alma mater.
Welcoming guests, Head of Alumni Relations Mr Peter Masombuka said the engagement forms part of a broader programme of alumni chapter gatherings taking place during VUT’s 60th anniversary celebrations. He reflected on the University’s journey from its establishment as a technical college in 1966 to becoming one of South Africa’s leading universities of technology.
He noted that the milestone is not only a celebration of institutional achievements but also an opportunity to reconnect with graduates whose success forms an integral part of the University’s legacy.
“We thought, let’s touch base with our graduates,” he said. “We are trying to compile as many profiles as possible of VUT graduates, reflecting on your journeys at VUT, so that we can use them to motivate our students.”
Mr Masombuka encouraged alumni to remain actively involved in the University’s development through advisory structures, alumni chapters and other institutional platforms. He explained that the views and experiences of graduates, even within smaller alumni chapters, are reported to Senate and Council, helping to shape institutional strategy while strengthening VUT’s relationship with its alumni community.
One of the highlights of the event was the inspiring testimony of VUT alumna Ms Nthabiseng Mokoena, whose academic journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and professional growth. After enrolling at VUT in 1994, she completed a National Diploma and a Baccalaureus Technologiae (BTech) in Business Administration before advancing her qualifications with a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and later a Master’s degree.
Reflecting on her time at VUT, Ms Mokoena credited the University with laying the foundation for both her personal and professional development.
“I’ve gained a lot of insight through the department and the course, which helped me become a better person than I am today. I can confidently say that in education, I’ve learned so much, and happy birthday to VUT for the 60 years they have achieved so far,” she said.
She also shared one of the defining moments of her academic journey, recalling that her outstanding academic performance led to her appointment as a junior lecturer while she was still a student. The opportunity provided valuable teaching experience, while the University supported her by covering her tuition fees, demonstrating how academic excellence can open doors to future success.
The programme concluded with an informal networking session, during which alumni reconnected with former classmates, exchanged professional experiences and explored opportunities for future collaboration. Many expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that such engagements strengthen their connection with the University while creating valuable professional networks.
As VUT continues celebrating six decades of excellence, the Alumni Relations Unit remains committed to strengthening partnerships with its graduates, recognising that their achievements, expertise and continued involvement are essential to shaping the University’s future while inspiring the next generation of VUT students.