By: Thato Phalole and Nontobeko Moimane 09 February 2022

Working as a collective was emphasised on Sunday, 6 February 2022 when the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) successfully convened a Zoom webinar to orientate and welcome parents of First Year Entering Students (FTENS) to the VUT family.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Ntate Dan Kgwadi; Vice-Chancellor and Principal welcomed the parents and commended them for their resilience in steering their children to pursue tertiary studies at VUT. He assured parents and guardians that by choosing VUT, their children are at the right place to best equip them for the future.

“VUT remains committed to providing a vibrant student life and university experience whilst nurturing students until their graduation”, said the VC.

Prof Kgwadi believes his children are not limited to his biological children.  “We take our role of in loco parentis very seriously. In your absence, your children are our children. Before I can confirm how many kids I’ve got, I’d need to check with the Registrar first” said Prof Kgwadi.

“Without students, there is no university”, said the VC.  Student passion and energy inspire the institution to strive for more. He advised parents to encourage their children to participate in campus activities to make the best of their lives on campus.

The academic journey is not guaranteed to be always smooth sailing. As such, parents must continue to render their parental role by keeping in touch and celebrating hard work as opposed to merely celebrating results. The VC gave out his contact details to parents as a gesture and demonstration of the ethic of care.  “Should you be concerned that your child has been in-contactable for a number of hours, please call me. We will find your child for you.  Do not wait until it is too late”, said the VC assuringly.

The webinar was also graced by the presence of  Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Student Support Services, Professor Maggie Linington; Dr Dan Mokoena,  the Registrar, Executive Directors, Executive Deans from each faculty, and staff members from  support services departments that play a critical role in taking care of the student welfare on campus.. The latter group   shared vital information about what parents and new students should expect from the university in terms of health and mental wellness support as well the holistic development of students.  Presentations were heard from Residence Services, Financial Aid Office, Student Wellness, Disability Unit, Sport and others.

Prof Linington highlighted student safety as being of paramount importance to the University. She requested parents to guide their students about being vigilant and safe on campus and in places they reside in.  She pleaded with parents to encourage their children to vaccinate against COVID-19 to alleviate the spread of the virus on campus.

The session concluded with an interactive question and answer session where parents could voice out concerns, seek clarity, or share recommendations.

The active engagement between parents and VUT leadership was in line with the recently launched brand identity pay-offline:  Inspiring thought. Shaping Talent.