“The Alumni Relations department at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently hosted Industry Lecturer Day, connecting students with alums and industry professionals to support career growth. Key topics included career insights, IBM i technology, cybersecurity, AI, and the launch of a new Golden Key Honour Society.”
02 December 2025 | Story by: Tayron Mhlongo| Picture by: Keitumetse Mokgope
2 minutes read time.
The Alumni Relations department at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently hosted its Industry Lecturer Day, an engaging platform designed to connect students with accomplished alumni and industry specialists. The event created an enriching space where experience met aspiration, offering students practical insights to strengthen and accelerate their career development.
Mr Peter Masombuka, Head of Alumni Relations at VUT, underscored the strategic importance of such engagements. His office is committed to forging meaningful links between students, alumni and industry leaders to help shape clear and sustainable career pathways. He explained that Alumni Relations regularly invites former students back to campus to share their professional journeys and inspire those still navigating their studies. “Whatever you are studying, it’s about building your skills and preparing you for the employment market,” he noted. He emphasised that their support stretches from guiding prospective students to helping graduates transition into the world of work.
A key announcement at the event was the upcoming launch of the Golden Key Honour Society at VUT. After nearly a decade of preparation, the university is now ready to introduce this prestigious academic community, which recognises top-performing students who graduate with distinction and connects them to influential professional networks.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr Marius le Roux, founder of Marius le Roux (MLR) Consultant. He offered a compelling exploration of the International Business Machines (IBM) platform, a fully integrated operating system regarded as one of the most robust and elegant enterprise technologies still shaping global IT environments. Mr Le Roux also reflected on the evolving future of work in the IT sector, highlighting emerging trends and new opportunities for young professionals.
Further discussions delved into cybersecurity, a critical and highly sought after skill for strengthening South Africa’s digital future, along with artificial intelligence and data science. These fields were unpacked for their capacity to drive innovation, advance research and reshape industry in transformative ways.
Industry Lecturer Day 2025 succeeded in narrowing the distance between academia and industry, equipping VUT students with fresh knowledge, practical guidance and the confidence to step into a fast-moving and demanding professional world with clarity and purpose.