By: Qhawekazi Memani – 20 February 2024

On Friday, 16 February 2024, as the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) concluded its ten-day Orientation Programme,VUT departments  hosted a warm and vibrant welcome day for this academic year’s cohort of first-year students at the university’s main residence sports field.

The event was meticulously designed to extend a warm reception to incoming students and foster their seamless integration into the university community.

Notably, it saw the active participation of several key stakeholders, including the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, South African Police Services (SAPS), and local Community Policing Forums (CPF) from Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging. This collaborative endeavour showcased a shared commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and successful transition of VUT’s newcomers.  Representatives from these organizations offered invaluable insights, resources, and support mechanisms to empower students with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their new environment safely.

The welcome day served as an invaluable opportunity for first-year students to acquaint themselves with the VUT campus environment and forge connections with fellow peers, faculty members, and university staff. Various engaging activities, informative sessions, and interactive workshops were thoughtfully curated to facilitate networking and inspire students to actively engage in campus life from the onset of their academic journey.

In her welcoming address, Dr Trishana Soni, the acting Executive Director of Student Support Services at VUT, emphasized the significance of the collaborative effort between the university and external agencies in promoting campus safety and security. She reiterated, “The presence of all esteemed stakeholders highlights the importance of collaborations between the university and external agencies in promoting campus safety and security”, she added.

Encouraging active student engagement in the learning process, Professor Maggie Linington, the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning urged the students to pose questions and actively interact with their lecturers, thus fostering a dynamic and interactive academic environment.

Gracing the welcome day was the newly appointed Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Khehla Ndlovu, who extended his heartfelt gratitude to members of management, visitors, and stakeholders present. He also thanked the organizing team for their commendable efforts in making the event a reality. Addressing the students, he expressed his admiration for the young faces before him, the class of 2024, and emphasized the significance of this year as the beginning of a new journey for the first-year students. Prof Ndlovu reiterated the university’s unwavering commitment to fostering a conducive student learning environment, affirming that the students are indeed the cream of the crop. He highlighted VUT’s rich tapestry of cultures, thriving diversity, and collaborative ethos, with a reputation for nurturing and inspiring talent. Prof. Ndlovu encouraged students to embrace the opportunity to engage and learn from each other as peers. He also urged them to leverage the support departments available on campus, particularly emphasizing the importance of participating in sporting codes, given VUT’s high expectations in sports.

The event also witnessed a diverse array of stakeholders and external representatives stepping forward to address the students on crucial matters. Among them were representatives from the Information Regulator, Provincial Safety representative, Mothibi Mohomane,  Student Representative Council along with support departments . Notably, prominent organizations such as ABSA bank, Standard bank, African bank, Halls, MTN, Cell-C, Red Bull, Portia M, Telkom, and the African Youth Development Fund were present as stakeholders, offering insights and support.

Additionally, students were treated to entertainment by the following artists: Mthunzi, Emo and Musical chef.