“VUT and Emfuleni Municipality renovated a Boipatong family’s home for Mandela Day, restoring dignity and essential amenities through community engagement.”
22 July 2025 | Story By: Vince Thwala | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
On 18 July 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), through its Community Engagement Department, partnered with Emfuleni Local Municipality to bring hope and dignity to the Mohobo family in Boipatong. This heartfelt intervention formed part of the institution’s Mandela Day outreach, aimed at addressing real needs and restoring human dignity where it is most urgently required.
Mr Joseph Norman Radebe, Director of Community Engagement at VUT, explained the motivation behind the initiative. “We came here fundamentally because the lady we are assisting is short-sighted, if not completely blind. They are a family of seven. It is disheartening that none of them are employed, attending school or receiving any social support, such as grants. This household met all the criteria for our community engagement programme.”
The collaboration between VUT and Emfuleni Local Municipality focused on the family’s most pressing challenges. “The house lacked basic necessities such as water, proper sanitation and electricity,” Mr Radebe continued. “When we speak of restoring dignity, we are not only referring to aesthetics. We are creating a safe, liveable space that reflects care, humanity and respect.”
Dr Speech Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation at VUT, highlighted the importance of sustainability and scale. “This project was funded through VUT’s internal resources, but we are actively planning to raise funds to support more families in the future. This should not be a once-off effort. We have a moral responsibility to do more, and to do so continuously.”
Councillor Sipho Radebe, Executive Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality, expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration and the message it sends. “Let us continue doing good.
For those already making a difference, let us not grow weary. For those who have not started, take the first step. And to those who feel unmoved, I urge you to open your heart. This is about serving others. When you touch one life, that life may one day touch another. What we build today can lift future generations. Poverty will not overcome us if we stand together.”
Thanks to this act of service, the Mohobo family now has a warm and secure home with access to basic amenities and a renewed sense of dignity.
An emotional Nthabiseng Regina Mohobo, the head of the household, expressed her gratitude through tears. “I don’t know what to say but to thank you. The Lord has finally answered my prayers.”
This Mandela Day, VUT and Emfuleni Local Municipality chose to go beyond symbolic gestures. They chose to act, and in doing so, they changed lives. And the house will be officially handed over to Mrs Nthabiseng Mohobo on the 25th of July since this project is set to be completed in a period of seven days.