Students encouraged to fight for a legacy

Professor Riana van der Bank, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Student Support

“Like history that can never be destroyed, a university must always be true to its mission to prepare young people for a place in society and for the labour market of the future,” Professor Riana van der Bank, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Student Support said at the parents meeting that took place on Sunday, 26 January at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Isak Steyl Stadium.

She reiterated that the university does not exist in a vacuum and commended parents for choosing VUT which is the beginning of an individual journey to the future of their children. It is also when they start crafting their history and a personal legacy, with the support of their parents or guardians.

Prof Van der Bank encouraged students to allow themselves to be educated and inspired by VUT’s outstanding professors and lecturers, who are among the best that our country has to offer. Students need to use every moment of their time to absorb knowledge, expertise and ethos, she said.

“I also encourage you to live a full student life, form communities, get involved, and integrate yourselves in the many social activities that the university has to offer. Make us proud, make your parents proud, and make the country proud.”

The purpose of the meeting is to introduce parents to the university management and to give an overview of all services that are available to support their children during their studies. The programme was filled with speakers from different sectors of the university such as National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), VUT Residences and Student Support Services.

Overall best achievers for the academic year 2019

The programme included handing out of certificates and gifts to students who did well during their first year in 2019, hopefully encouraging the newly registered 2020 first-year students to focus on their studies and pass all their modules with an average of 75% and above. The certificates cover different categories, such as top achievers in a department, top achievers in a department and faculty and top achievers in the entire institution among the four faculties.

Motivational speaker, Pastor Khethelo Mazibuko

Motivational speaker, Pastor Khethelo Mazibuko gave a powerful talk and encouraged students to number their days right and take control of their destiny.

“Fight for your legacy … make the world a better place now,” he concluded.