VUT honours industry partners for fostering a culture of collaboration

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), through its Co-operative Education Department, hosted an Employer Awards Function on 22 November 2024 at the Ingwe Guest Lodge in Vanderbijlpark. The theme of the event was “Fostering a Culture of Collaboration”. This annual function aims to strengthen relationships between VUT and its industry partners. Stakeholders actively involved in VUT’s Co-operative Education programmes are nominated by relevant departments within faculties and recognised with certificates of appreciation. The event was attended by 174 guests, including esteemed industry partners.

Setting the tone for the ceremony, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Christa Grobler, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving mutual objectives. “We can do little alone, but together we can do so much more,” she emphasised.

Guest speaker Mrs Maipato Tsokolibane, former Speaker of the Emfuleni Municipality, lauded the role of industry partners in empowering VUT students. “Our region needs these kinds of collaborations to strengthen our work and produce good future leaders,” she remarked. Mrs Tsokolibane further stressed the value of mutual respect, trust, open communication, and regular recognition to ensure collaborative success.

Dr Moletsane, Director: Student Academic Development Support and Work Integrated Learning at VUT, echoed these sentiments in her article “Creating Sustainability in Teaching and Learning: Fostering a Culture of Collaboration with Industry”, published in the Co-operative Education Career Provision Magazine Issue 2025. Dr Moletsane noted the existing skills mismatch between supply and demand and emphasised the critical role of industry in bridging these gaps, particularly within Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programmes. She called for industry-informed curriculum development, with both universities and industry working collaboratively to design courses that reflect current market needs. Regular engagements, such as roundtable discussions, were recommended to address emerging trends and ensure that graduates are equipped with in-demand skills.

During the ceremony, several companies were recognised for their contributions across three categories: Excellence, Merit, and Participation. The Excellence Awards were presented to Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA), Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), Gauteng Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Environment, Food and Beverage Manufacturing Industry Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA), and Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) for their exceptional funding support. A total of 12 industry partners received Merit Awards, and another 12 were honoured with Participation Awards.

Professor Chengedzai Mafini concluded the ceremony by expressing gratitude to the industry partners for their invaluable contributions and encouraging them to continue supporting VUT’s initiatives. The event ended on a high note with musical entertainment provided by Vernon Muso and Xowie Music.