07 March 2024

On 7 March 2024, as part of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s ongoing efforts towards strengthening ties with local businesses and other key stakeholders, Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Khehla Ndlovu hosted the President of the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce (GTCoC), Mr Jaco Verwey.

Held at the Vice Chancellor’s precinct, the high-profile meeting was also attended by some senior officials of the university to mark a crucial moment in the institution’s commitment to proactive stakeholder engagement and fostering collaborative endeavours with the local business community.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss shared goals, identify areas of mutual interest, and explore potential collaborations that could benefit both the university and the local business ecosystem.

A multi-sectorial business organization, Verwey described GTCoC as the premier voice of business in the Vaal Triangle. However, he added that they are not just all about business, they also have a strong focus on creating and enabling an environment for economic prosperity, service delivery and social development. “Boosting small enterprises and stimulating economic growth, is at the centre of what we do at GTCoC,” he said. However, he added, “to drive economic growth, universities need to come forth with innovation, education, and training.”

He also added that they are big on charity work, adding that in two weeks they, in partnership with Emerald Casino and partners, will be hosting the much anticipated “Rocking The Vaal”, one of the biggest lifestyle events. “Although it’s a lifestyle event, we aim to produce the longest hand-knitted shawl (35 kilometers) and the biggest potjiekos, as well as break the record for the most loaves of bread in one place. All these, he said, will feed thousands of needy people.

Prof Ndlovu emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating that VUT believes in the power of partnerships to drive innovation, economic growth, and community development. “By working closely with the GTCoC, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry,” he said, citing that Vaal is a major industrial region. He further highlighted that there is ample research and innovation expertise at VUT to support local businesses in developing sustainable solutions. This point was echoed by Prof Chengedzai Mafini, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences who said the University can develop short learning programmes to cater for the needs of local businesses to help them capacitate their workforce or simplify their production processes.

Other points of discussion included how the two can collaborate on community engagement projects, and how to make the student vicinity an even safer environment.