{"id":36836,"date":"2026-05-20T09:33:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T09:33:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=36836"},"modified":"2026-05-20T12:39:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T12:39:22","slug":"from-research-to-real-world-impact-vut-empowers-innovators-to-rethink-african-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/st\/from-research-to-real-world-impact-vut-empowers-innovators-to-rethink-african-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"From research to real world impact: VUT empowers innovators to rethink African solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT\u2019s Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, together with CILTSA, hosted a mentorship and professional development event at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall on 15 May 2025, where industry experts inspired students through discussions on finance, recruitment, emotional intelligence, mentorship, and work readiness.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 May 2026 | Story by: Siphiwe Sadiki | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"From<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA), hosted an inspiring mentorship and professional development event for third year and advanced diploma students at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall on 15 May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held under the theme \u201cStronger Together,\u201d the event brought together academics, industry leaders and aspiring professionals to equip students with practical industry knowledge, personal development skills, emotional intelligence and mentorship opportunities aimed at preparing them for the professional world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme commenced with welcoming remarks by Professor Chengedzai Mafini, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, who emphasised the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and industry in developing future leaders within the logistics and supply chain sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe must continue building stronger partnerships between academia and industry because today\u2019s students are tomorrow\u2019s leaders and innovators within the supply chain environment,\u201d said Professor Mafini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serving as Programme Director was Mrs Shevon Kotiah, Demand Manager at Heineken South Africa, who encouraged students to embrace opportunities that could shape both their careers and personal growth. She also explained that students would be able to register for mentorship support and workshop certification through QR code platforms shared during the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first session focused on personal finance and was presented by Ms Nobantu Mqulwana, Managing Director of Rising the Tide Advisory. Her presentation centred on budgeting, financial wellness and money management, while encouraging students to understand the importance of financial literacy during their academic journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour salary should never only be seen as money to spend. It must become a tool for building wealth, opportunity and long-term stability,\u201d said Ms Mqulwana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second session focused on Human Resources and Recruitment and was presented by Ms Reneiloe Semenya, Executive Director at Maysene Logistics. Her presentation covered CV writing, interview preparation and workplace expectations, while also sharing her own journey of perseverance after completing her diploma through correspondence studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNever allow your current circumstances to define your future. Every successful person starts somewhere,\u201d said Ms Semenya. \u201cGrowth comes through persistence, discipline and the willingness to keep showing up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She further inspired students by sharing the growth story of Maysene Logistics, which was established during the COVID 19 pandemic with only one truck operating in Mpumalanga\u2019s coal belt before expanding through resilience and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the highlights of her session came when third year student Mr Tebogo Moropang confidently responded to a discussion on the \u201cwar happening in supply chains,\u201d impressing both students and industry representatives with his insight and understanding of evolving industry dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third session focused on work readiness and was presented by Mr Elvin Harris, President of CILTSA and a CMILT. His presentation explored workplace culture, professionalism and the transition from student life into the world of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAcademic qualifications alone are no longer enough. Employers are looking for graduates who are adaptable, disciplined and continuously improving themselves,\u201d said Mr Harris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further encouraged students to build professional networks, remain informed about global developments and commit themselves to lifelong learning and self-development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fourth session focused on emotional intelligence and office etiquette and was again facilitated by Mrs Kotiah. Using two teddy bears named Sipho and Bongani, she demonstrated the importance of balance, self-awareness and emotional intelligence within professional environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIQ may help you secure employment, but EQ is what sustains your relationships, growth and leadership journey,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also reminded students that employers increasingly assess social media presence and personal branding when making recruitment decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final session was presented by Mr Charles Dey, FCILT and Training Consultant in International Supply Chain and Logistics Management, who focused on volunteering, mentorship and lifelong learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBuild relationships rooted in trust, honesty and mutual growth. The right mentor can change the direction of your life and career,\u201d said Mr Dey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event concluded with a lively panel discussion and question and answer session where students engaged directly with guest speakers on topics ranging from leadership and career development to workplace culture and industry expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than an academic engagement, the programme became a transformational platform that empowered students with practical life lessons, industry insight and mentorship opportunities. It reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence and self-belief in shaping the next generation of logistics and supply chain professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through initiatives such as this, VUT and CILTSA continue strengthening the bridge between higher education and industry while preparing students not only for employment, but also for leadership and meaningful contribution within society and the broader logistics and supply chain sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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