By Selina Rapulane and Tebello Theledi 02 August 2022

Samthing Soweto performing for VUT students during the Fun Day

Mixing business with pleasure isn’t a bad idea at all.  This was proven on Friday, 23 July when four Vaal University of Technology (VUT) internal stakeholders held a joint fun day event to welcome students back to campus for the second semester, as well as create awareness around Intellectual Property (IP).  The activities were held at the Vanderbijlpark campus.

The internal entities that coordinated the event are:

• Technology Transfer Office (TTO)
• Student Life and Governance (SLG)
• Centre for Academic Development (CAD); and
• Student Representative Council (SRC)

The purpose of the event was for the VUT community to know and understand the importance of intellectual property protection and how critical it is to fostering innovation. Its aim was to create awareness in ensuring students understand that without protecting their ideas, they would not be able to reap the full benefits of their inventions and would focus less on research and development.

Mr Maemo Kobe: Commercialization Manager and Acting Senior Manager TTO, addressing the VUT community on IP Awareness

“IP awareness involves educating, informing, and changing attitudes. It is essential for everyone to develop knowledge of the protection and utilization of IP as it will ensure that they are recognised as the creator of that invention”, said Mr Maemo Kobe, Commercialization Manager and Acting Senior Manager TTO, while addressing the VUT community.

In his address to the VUT students, the Director of Student Life and Governance, Mr Vhugala Nthakheni said “we should be mindful of the different aspects of our students’ life experiences and how creating opportunities for social interaction and out-of-the-classroom engagement adds to the success of our students.”

Furthermore, the focus on the day was for students to integrate and participate in student activities. A balance between academic life and student activity is essential for a healthy student life on campus.

Jumping castles and food stalls greeted students who arrived dressed for a day of fun. The main residences soccer field was transformed as the ultimate venue for games before students moved to the Amphitheatre for the second part of the programme which included live performances.

This event was a top trender on TikTok with over 60 000 likes as participants seemed to only have good things to say about it.

Performers that lit up the stage included Something Soweto, Mfundo Moh, Pro Monate, Langston, Ernest DA DJ, Power, Captain Gabzin, Lay-ZB, Collins and Trap Jones amongst others.

The day included entertainment, food, and games.  Candy and popcorn were freely available to all participants.

It was a great day of fun and learning.