By: Puleng Maphisa 08 February 2022

SRC members attending the meet and greet with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal: Professor Dan Kgwadi 

On 3 February, the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Dan Kgwadi, met briefly with the 2022 Student Representative Council (SRC).

In his remarks, the VC acknowledged the importance of the SRC both as a statutory body of the institution as well as their key role as VUT’s primary brand ambassadors.

Prof Kgwadi said 3 February 2022 was a special day for him because of the opportunity to meet with the SRC – the major stakeholders of the University.

“I am happy to see you all here to be part of the branding exercise as you are our most important brand ambassadors.  I remain VUT’s  first ambassador and  am wearing  my cap. But today I want you also to have your own caps as well,” said Prof Kgwadi.

Still acknowledging the role of students, Prof Kgwadi said “there is no university without students”. He said it is vital for him to get to know the SRC and their portfolios better.  The VC wanted to open a platform for students to engage with him. He mentioned that his interest is to hear about student issues directly from the SRC, not a second party.  “Nothing should be a surprise to the institution”, he said, encouraging students to engage with him on student matters.

In this meeting, Prof Kgwadi was joined by the Executive Director of Advancement & Internationalisation: Ms. Tandi Mapukata, and the Executive Director of Student Support Service (SSS):  Dr. Sibusiso Mchunu.

Ms. Mapukata also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the SRC. She said the intention of the meeting was “not to capture anyone but to bring about change.   She commended the SRC for aligning themselves with the #changeVUT narrative.

She said Prof Kgwadi, the institution has brought a brand that is a good driver for change, a brand we can associate ourselves with, and a brand that is associated with success, excellence, stability, and a readiness to grow.

With a cheerful smile Ms. Mapukata said, “We are here to remind you that the VUT brand is like a mother, and it should be treated with respect and dignity. The VUT brand is the brand that will  nurture your academic career as you advance in your studies , and if you talk negatively about your brand, remember it will be disregarded by society, and the products of this brand will be considered last in the job market. So, it is always good to speak respectfully about our programmes and institution, and to bear in mind that being here as students in your own right, you are cultivating your future”.

She encouraged the SRC to execute their duties in a manner that mindful of their role as leaders and primary ambassadors of the institution.

Dr Sibusiso Mchunu, Executive Director for Student Support Students clarified that this is the first SRC to have a constitution, and some of the SRC members have played a leadership role during the constitutional review summit.

Dr. Mchunu said that as a department they extend a warm welcome to the Vice-Chancellor and pledge their full support while he steers the VUT ship in the right direction.