{"id":39101,"date":"2026-07-15T15:06:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T15:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=39101"},"modified":"2026-07-15T18:27:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T18:27:02","slug":"vut-advances-institutional-renewal-through-stakeholder-engagement-roundtable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/st\/vut-advances-institutional-renewal-through-stakeholder-engagement-roundtable\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT advances institutional renewal through stakeholder engagement roundtable"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT hosted its Internal Stakeholder Engagement Roundtable, highlighting progress in institutional renewal, governance, collaboration and Strategy 2033+”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 July 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\"VUT
VUT advances institutional renewal through stakeholder engagement roundtable<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration, accountability and institutional renewal during its Internal Stakeholders Engagement Roundtable, held over two sessions on 24 June 2026 at the VUT Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng and concluding on 08 July 2026 at the VUT Conference Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held under the theme “Fostering a culture of engagement and collaboration with internal stakeholders”, the roundtable was part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internal collaboration and to track progress on commitments made during previous stakeholder engagements in 2025. Rather than revisiting existing challenges, this year’s engagements focused on reflecting on achievements, evaluating ongoing interventions, and identifying priorities to continue driving the institution forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening the roundtable, Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Khehla Ndlovu reflected on the journey that led to the stakeholder engagement process, following recommendations from Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training. He noted that the institution has progressed from identifying challenges to implementing practical solutions, emphasising that the university must now demonstrate measurable improvements in governance, operational effectiveness, financial sustainability and service delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professor Ndlovu encouraged delegates to critically assess the progress made across the institution, highlighting the importance of evidence-based reporting as VUT continues to implement its Strategy 2033+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The presentations delivered across the two engagements reflected a university that was steadily translating strategy into action. Although each portfolio reported on different focus areas, a common message emerged: sustainable institutional success depends on collaboration, shared accountability and continuous improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across the Finance, Human Resources and Governance portfolios, delegates heard how efforts are underway to strengthen the university’s internal systems through improved financial management, organisational capacity, policy development and institutional governance. These initiatives continue to strengthen the foundation for effective decision-making and long-term sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A strong emphasis was also placed on creating an environment that enables both staff and students to succeed. Updates from the Resources and Operations, Student Support Services, and Teaching and Learning portfolios highlighted progress in infrastructure maintenance, campus improvements, digital transformation, upgraded teaching facilities and expanded student support services. Delegates also heard about initiatives aimed at improving student wellbeing through healthcare, counselling, food security, accommodation, leadership development, entrepreneurship<\/p>\n\n\n\n

programmes and sporting opportunities, reflecting the university’s holistic approach to student success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation was equally evident. The Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation portfolio shared progress in strengthening postgraduate funding support, expanding research capacity, and increasing supervision opportunities. At the same time, the Marketing and Communications Department showcased ongoing efforts to modernise institutional communication through digital platforms and to strengthen engagement with internal and external stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Providing the key reflections and way forward, Manager in the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Ms Maureen Rathopo, said the presentations demonstrated encouraging progress across the institution while reinforcing that meaningful transformation requires every department to continue working together. She noted that maintaining momentum through collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement will remain essential as the university pursues its strategic objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Echoing these reflections, Deputy President of Convocation Mr David Matsaung emphasised that meaningful institutional progress depends on allowing every internal stakeholder to contribute. “As the Deputy President of Convocation, I believe that open dialogue and inclusive participation are essential to building trust, improving governance and ensuring that all our internal stakeholders contribute to the university’s strategic direction. The insights and perspectives shared during the roundtable demonstrated that the collective wisdom of our internal stakeholders is one of VUT’s greatest assets,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Matsaung added that the institution’s future success lies in a united commitment to its shared vision. “The success of VUT depends on our ability to work together with a shared vision. I also find it befitting to commend the Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Mrs Lufele, because programmes such as this roundtable are instrumental in shaping a resilient, responsive and forward-looking institution that is well positioned to achieve its mission and serve its stakeholders and communities effectively.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his closing remarks, Professor Ndlovu commended the university community for embracing the stakeholder engagement process and the progress achieved since its inception. While acknowledging that some challenges remain, he emphasised that many institutional priorities have moved beyond planning into implementation. He encouraged staff to continue communicating openly, supporting one another and remaining committed to building a university that delivers quality education, strong governance and excellent service to its stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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