{"id":41755,"date":"2026-08-19T14:07:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T14:07:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=41755"},"modified":"2026-08-20T10:49:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T10:49:58","slug":"high-tea-and-higher-purpose-as-vut-celebrates-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/st\/high-tea-and-higher-purpose-as-vut-celebrates-women\/","title":{"rendered":"High tea and higher purpose as VUT celebrates women"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT celebrated Women\u2019s Month with a High Tea honouring female staff, their journeys, leadership and contributions to the University\u2019s 60-year legacy.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

19 August 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Peter Masela<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 4 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n VUT female staff members share a moment of celebration at the Women\u2019s Month High Tea, an occasion dedicated to recognising their journeys, leadership and contributions to the University.\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heels, hats and heartfelt conversations set the tone at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Conference Centre on Friday, 14 August 2026, as female staff members gathered for a Women\u2019s Month High Tea that celebrated not only how far women have come, but also the many ways they continue to shape the University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held under the theme, \u201cCelebrating Her Journey: Empowering Women to Lead, Grow and Inspire, and Honouring Women\u2019s Contributions to VUT\u2019s 60-Year Legacy\u201d, the occasion blended celebration with meaningful conversations around health, finances, education, leadership and personal growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcoming guests, VUT Chief Financial Officer, Ms Nthanyi Dhumazi, reflected on the women who have helped shape the institution in classrooms, laboratories, offices and communities. \u201cIt speaks to the sacrifices that we have made. It speaks to the glass ceilings that we have shattered,\u201d she said, encouraging women to continue leading with courage while inspiring the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The programme deliberately moved beyond the usual motivational approach. Dietitian Ms Betty Pheto spoke about the often-overlooked relationship between stress and eating habits, reminding participants that well-being is influenced by more than what appears on a plate. \u201cWhen stress speaks, our eating habits speak too,\u201d she said, noting that emotional strain can affect appetite, sleep, energy and everyday eating patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Financial Advisor Ms Lulu Msimango from Standard Bank followed with practical guidance on budgeting, debt, investment and planning for the future. Among her key messages was the importance of women having a valid will and taking an active role in managing their financial affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr Masebala Tjabane, Manager of VUT\u2019s Centre for Academic Development, shifted the conversation towards the academic space, encouraging women to document and share their educational journeys. \u201cIt is about time that we contribute as women to the creation of global knowledge,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her message resonated strongly with the University\u2019s academic purpose, recognising women not only as contributors to higher education, but also as producers of knowledge whose experiences and scholarship can influence future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The keynote address by retired Deputy Commissioner for Remand Operations Management in the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Dr Vuyi Mlomo Ndlovu, brought a thought-provoking perspective on leadership and governance. Speaking about destructive leadership, she emphasised accountability, ethical decision-making and the importance of employees being willing to challenge wrongdoing constructively rather than simply agreeing with those in authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She described such individuals as \u201ccourageous followers\u201d, people whose willingness to question unethical practices can help safeguard organisational culture and strengthen accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A highlight of the afternoon was the \u201c6 Women for 60\u201d recognition segment, which honoured women whose work and leadership reflect the many ways in which women have contributed to VUT\u2019s growth and 60-year legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professor Anneke de Klerk, Senior Lecturer and Programme Coordinator in Photography, received two honours, being recognised in both the Academic and Legacy Builder categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Community Builder recognition went to Ms Mamojalefa Letlapa, a VUT cleaner and VUT Radio presenter, while Ms Mpho Nkhi, Laboratory Technologist and Biotechnology Researcher, was recognised in the Education category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Ramseela Phasha, Manager of Residence Living and Learning, received the Support Staff recognition, while Ms Faith Mocoanceng, Manager of the Welfare and Victim Empowerment Centre, was honoured in the Women in Leadership category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, the recognitions reflected the different spaces in which women continue to shape the University, from academia and research to student support, community engagement and institutional leadership. They also brought VUT\u2019s 60-year legacy into sharper focus by placing names and faces behind the contributions that have helped build the institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recognition added a personal dimension to the celebrations, shining a spotlight on women whose contributions may take different forms, but collectively strengthen the University and the communities it serves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Ms Deliwe Mkhwebane from the Examinations and Graduations Department in the Registrar\u2019s Division, the diversity of topics made the gathering especially worthwhile. \u201cOverall, the event was awesome, empowering and informative,\u201d she said. \u201cRather than the usual motivational speaker, we got a dietician and financial adviser, and the main speaker\u2019s topic was unique and something we are most likely to relate to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also praised the atmosphere, d\u00e9cor and commitment to the theme, adding: \u201cVUT outdid itself and the MC did a magnificent job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing the gathering, Ms Maureen Rathopo, Manager in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, captured the spirit of the occasion when she said: \u201cIt is beautiful when you see women embrace each other like that. It is what we need to do very often. It is very empowering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than a High Tea, the gathering became a celebration of the women behind VUT\u2019s 60-year story and a reminder that the next chapter of that legacy will continue to be shaped by women who are informed, confident, ethical, empowered and ready to lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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