VUT CME hosts First Year Experience “Meet & Greet” for Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering Students

On September 13, 2024, the Vaal University of Technology’s Social and Outreach Committee (SOC) of the Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering (CME) department held its First Year Experience “Meet & Greet” event at GW-306, which provided an informative session for CME first-year students. Alumni from notable companies such as Impala Platinum, South African Roll Company (SARCO), G-Chem Aqua, McKinnon Chain, and The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) attended the event to offer their knowledge and inspire students commencing their academic journeys.

Mr Gadinkosi Dube opened the event by welcoming Dr. Kentse Motsetse, the acting Head of Department (HOD) of CME, who officially opened the event with words of encouragement for the students on their journey ahead. Ms. Shonisani Muthubi and Ms. Mikateko Baloyi then gave a brief introduction on the Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering disciplines respectively, giving students a clearer understanding of the fields they had chosen.

Mr Justus van Rensburg, a metallurgical engineering alumnus from SARCO said “What you need is ambition. You need to desire more, maintain an inquisitive mind, and stay curious. Ask yourselves questions, ask your seniors, lecturers, technicians, and industry professionals. Keep networking and stay connected.” Similarly, Ms. Kamogelo Mojela from the chemical engineering discipline at Impala Platinum Refinery shared her experience in preparing for a career in the industry. She advised, “Things I wish I knew before going into the industry include understanding why you are there and recognizing that someone up the rank is always watching. Remember, you never finish studying; this is just the beginning of your five qualifications. Never stop believing and working hard; as the saying goes, ‘Behind every great victory, there’s a great battle.’ Lastly, always aim higher and equip yourself enough to stay at the top of the competition. Ms. Nthabiseng Kgomo coming all the way from Mpumalanga, explained the importance of combining financial knowledge with engineering skills, which will help students with personal finances and in future industry careers. Mr. Mpho Sekhwama, former president of the Society of Chemical Engineering Students (SoChES), Mr. Motse November and Ms. Nokuthula Khoza also graced the occasion, offering their guidance and lessons learnt to the attentive students.

The program provided students with significant knowledge about the industry, with lecturers highlighting several industries where chemical and metallurgical engineers could work. They emphasized entry-level employment like chemical operators and process controllers, as well as other roles that serve as stepping stones to more advanced careers. These discussions aimed to improve students’ understanding of the options that await them when they complete their degrees.

Ms. Sanele Nxumalo, the Faculty of Engineering’s academic advisor, was also there to offer the students guidance on how to overcome academic hurdles and confidently navigate their first year. Additionally, Mr. Kabelo Raselabe from the MSET Centre (Maths Centre) highlighted the academic support available to students facing difficulties in subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, equipping them to handle the demanding coursework in the engineering field.

In closing, the CME academic staff and student societies [SoChES and the Metallurgical Engineering Student Society (METESSO)] took the opportunity to introduce themselves to the attendees. They provided an overview of their roles and activities, ensuring that students were aware of the support and community opportunities available in the department and through these committees.