VUT student hopes to use technology and innovation to drive social impact
08 AUGUST 2024 | STORY TAYRON MHLONGO. PHOTO VUT.
Meet Mulalo Tatforlia “Lalie” Seketa, a Vaal University of Technology (VUT), Information Technology (IT) student with a deep passion for social impact.
Alongside her academic pursuits, the tech-savvy who was born in Limpopo and raised in Mahikeng in the North West Province, also holds several leadership roles that reflect her deep commitment to social impact and community development.
She is the 2023/24 President of Enactus VUT Team, an international nonprofit organization that empowers students to drive positive change through entrepreneurial action. Additionally, she serves as the Secretary for a SWEEP Chapter (Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme), an initiative dedicated to enhancing the leadership and entrepreneurial skills of female students in higher education. Wait, there is more! She also contributes as a co-director of Fooddable, a social enterprise committed to redistributing surplus food to those in need, thereby addressing food waste and hunger.
Balancing these commitments requires diligent time management. Although it is not her strongest suit, she strives to prioritize tasks effectively and allocate specific times for studying and Enactus activities, ensuring that she meets her responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to each initiative.
Lalie aims to build a career in a tech-driven space where she can use her IT expertise to help organizations implement technology solutions for social challenges. She says Enactus has exposed her to real-world applications of technology in social projects, and the leadership experience she gained will help her contribute effectively to such organisations.
Her advice to fellow peers is, “Go for it! Embrace leadership roles without hesitation, they are invaluable for personal growth and learning. Stay open to new ideas and be willing to learn from others. Don’t shy away from the uncomfortable; it’s where true growth happens!”