Latest news with #VUT
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
VUT's computer science unit helps learners apply online
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is actively advancing its Strategy 2033+, which prioritises attracting and supporting students with exceptional potential across all levels of study. On July 5, the Department of Computer Sciences, under the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences (FACS), led an online applications session for Grade 12 learners from Suncrest High School as part of its community service initiative. The Executive Dean of FACS, Professor Christa Grobler, emphasised the importance of the coming months for the learners, stating that their choices now will shape their future. 'You can do it,' she encouraged warmly. She reaffirmed the department's commitment to supporting the learners in securing the best possible opportunity to invest in their future through further education. During the session, learners were guided through the online application process and introduced to programmes offered by VUT as well as institutions such as Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). The application process was broken down step by step, empowering students to navigate digital platforms with confidence as they apply for courses aligned with their aspirations. Among the enthusiastic learners, Botshelo Mbele reflected with heartfelt sincerity: 'Honestly, my eyes have been opened. I had never considered applying to a university of technology before, but now, VUT will be at the top of my list.' Echoing her enthusiasm, Sanele Mashinini shared, 'My experience so far has been wonderful. We are well taken care of, and the atmosphere is delightful. I'm looking forward to applying and discovering the career path that suits me best.' Learners were also encouraged to embrace digital fluency and explore future pathways in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative by the Department of Computer Sciences exemplifies VUT's commitment to nurturing talent through meaningful outreach that demystifies higher education and fosters access. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Suncrest High School engagement affirms the university's proactive role in opening doors and shaping minds. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
28-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Unfinished Freedom: Africa's Long Walk Beyond the 1884 Berlin Conference:
Mphumzi Mdekazi is CEO of Walter and Albertina Sisulu for Social Justice, he writes in his personal capacity. Image: Supplied By Mphumzi Mdekazi On June 12, 2025, we gathered at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) not just to honour the towering legacy of Walter Sisulu, whose birthday was on May 18, 1912– a revolutionary, a father of our democracy, and a quiet architect of freedom—but the day was also used to reflect on the deeper, historical roots of the struggles that continue to shape our continent. Walter Sisulu believed, above all else, in the unity, dignity, and potential of African people, and he understood that true liberation would not come with the lowering of colonial flags, but with the dismantling of colonial logic—embedded in institutions, economies, and minds. It is for that reason that, partially, the fulcrum of his inaugural memorial lecture looked back—not to dwell—but to understand, so that we may act differently going forward. I would assume that, as we have gathered in the Vaal, we all knew that our problems as the African continent are located at the Berlin Conference of 1884. In 1884–85, in cold, chandelier-lit halls of imperial Europe, 14 European powers convened what is now known as the Berlin Conference—also called the Congo Conference. Not a single African was present. Yet the lives of millions would be irrevocably changed. There, the continent was carved up like a pie. Arbitrary borders drawn across ethnic groups, kingdoms, ecological zones and ancient trade routes. Entire civilizations dismembered. Africa was not seen as a place of peoples, cultures, or sovereignty, but as territory to be occupied, extracted, and exploited. This process was legitimized by the so-called principle of 'effective occupation,' which required European powers to demonstrate control over African territories to claim them. In truth, it was a license for conquest, enslavement, and cultural erasure. As Frantz Fanon warned us: 'Imperialism leaves behind germs of rot which we must clinically detect and remove not only from our land but from our minds as well.' The mid-20th century brought political decolonization. Flags were changed, anthems composed, and parliaments erected. But what did we really inherit? We inherited a map not made by us. States that were, in many cases, artificially constructed with no national consensus. We inherited economies wired to feed Europe's factories, not Africa's people, and tragically, we inherited elite classes—many of whom became, in the words of Amílcar Cabral, 'the transmission belt of foreign interests.' Yes, we achieved formal independence, which some were celebrating recently. But the substance of freedom remains unfinished. The promise of decolonization has produced mixed results. We have seen moments of triumph and excellence, indigenous innovation, Pan-African solidarity, democratic progress, but also the painful betrayal of liberation ideals, especially here at home in South Africa. The post-colonial African states have too often been caught between external manipulation and internal misleadership. Between structural adjustment and military coups. Between IMF dictates and elite capture. Today, we see new waves of defiance. The people of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, nations in the Sahel, are attempting to reimagine sovereignty in a world still structured against African independence. Their struggle is fraught. Attempts to build new political and economic models are met with sanctions, destabilization, and even covert efforts at regime change. Often, external forces act not alone but in collaboration with internal elites who fear change. I call these collaborators 'committed and helpless or hopeless slaves, who mistakenly believe that Africa's total liberation will come from a coloniser and our former oppressors'. The Sahel defiance is inspiring the youth, the majority of our continent, understandably so because these young Sahel leaders represent our real African liberation aspirations. These young people, born in the ashes of neoliberal broken promises, are reclaiming the right to shape their future. As Thomas Sankara once declared: 'We must dare to invent the future.' Our Continent needs economic Justice, not Charity or IMF Loans. Africa is not poor; it is impoverished. Through stolen resources, unjust trade, climate injustice, and debt traps, weare made to kneel before the same powers that once colonized us, a case in point is the recent oval meeting in the US, where voluntarily our rare earth minerals as a country were offered and donated without a request, with an apologetic anatomical posture to the Groot Baas. Today, African countries spend more on repaying interest than on investing in education or healthcare. As Julius Nyerere warned decades ago: 'They made us believe that development meant becoming more like them. But development should mean becoming more like ourselves.' We must now demand not aid, but restitution. Not charity, but economic justice in memory of Walter Sisulu. Walter Sisulu understood that liberation is a process, not a moment. He lived through a century of struggle, from the pass laws to the Robben Island cell, from exile to the birth of democracy, leading his family, which conservatively accounts for 59 years in prison combined, for committing no crime, but to demand equality and justice. Such a sacrifice must not be sacrificed for immediacy and silver or short-term myopic pliability. His life teaches us that freedom requires integrity, vigilance, sacrifice, and above all, solidarity across borders, ideologies, and generations. This calls for ethical leadership. As the Foundation that bears his and Mama Albertina's names, we recommit ourselves today to that Pan-African vision, a continent of self-reliant nations, accountable, ethical leadership, educated citizens, and just economies. We invite African thinkers, students, workers, women, elders, the downtrodden and especially the youth to carry forward this (Walter Sisulu's) legacy. To free the continent not only from external domination, but from internal betrayal, as this is a serious hazard towards the gains of our liberation. Let us look beyond Berlin, towards African Rebirth and Reawakening. Let Walter Sisulu serve as more than remembrance. Let it be a moment of reckoning and renewal. Once again, we must look beyond Berlin, beyond the maps we did not draw, beyond the narratives we did not write. It is time for a new African imagination. It is time to complete the freedom that Walter Sisulu and his generation began. As Africans, let us rise. Let us remember. Let us rebuild. Mphumzi Mdekazi is CEO of Walter & Albertina Sisulu for Social Justice, and he writes in his personal capacity.
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
VUT alumnus wins national award
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is celebrating Khomotso Comfort Ramabokela, a proud alumnus of VUT, for his outstanding contribution to healthcare and the recognition he recently received as 'Celebrate of the Year' across South Africa and the African continent. At 29 years old, the professional nurse and shift leader in the Emergency Department of Randfontein Private Hospital exemplifies the values, leadership, and compassion VUT strives to instil in its graduates. Drawn to healthcare by a deep desire to help others, Ramabokela reflects, 'I've always been interested in careers that allow me to make a tangible difference in people's lives.' His natural curiosity and drive to keep learning made nursing a perfect match. 'The opportunity to learn about the human body, respond in moments of crisis, and support people through their toughest times, that's what motivates me.' Ramabokela completed his Bachelor of Nursing Science at VUT in 2022, calling the experience life-changing. 'The education I received at VUT provided more than just knowledge. It gave me the foundation to navigate real-world challenges in the healthcare system,' he shares. 'My former VUT lecturers, Dikeledi Selepe, Dudu Motloba, Siya Rayise, Maria Mothebe, and Dr Rudo Ramalisa, were always available, supportive, and instrumental in shaping our understanding and skills.' Today, that foundation supports him daily in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment. As a shift leader, Ramabokela doesn't just manage urgent medical cases; he leads a team, ensures quality care, and brings empathy, urgency, and calm to every situation. He lives by these essential values in emergency care: empathy, calmness, urgency, leadership, and a hunger to keep learning. 'I want to continue developing in clinical and educational spaces,' he adds. 'But I also value maintaining a healthy work-life balance and spending time with the people I love.' Being named 'Celebrate of the Year' felt deeply affirming. 'It made me feel seen,' he says. 'It motivated me to keep learning, improving, and giving my best. It showed me that what we do matters.' Still, the journey isn't without its challenges. Communication barriers, adapting to change, workload, and limited career development are all part of the reality. But Ramabokela approaches each one with a problem-solving mindset. 'Good relationships with colleagues improve communication. Sharing the workload makes things manageable. Engaging in ongoing training opens doors,' he said. Although he's not yet involved in mentorship or outreach, he's ready and willing. 'I'd love to give back and support future nurses and students, especially in the VUT community. That's where my journey started, and I'm proud of that,' he said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
VUT and Sisulu Foundation ignite a new era of ethical leadership in higher education
'This generation is not the one we are waiting for; it is the generation we must believe in.' These stirring words by Dr Allan Boesak set the tone for a day that moved far beyond ceremonial formality. On June 12, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and the Sisulu Foundation for Social Justice signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Emerald Tsogo Sun Hotel, formalising a partnership grounded in ethical leadership, institutional renewal, and the urgency of youth agency. More than an agreement, the occasion marked the convergence of memory and mission, a deliberate step towards reclaiming justice, voice, and moral clarity in higher education. The signing took place ahead of the Walter Sisulu Inaugural Memorial Lecture, a milestone event anchoring the shared commitment between VUT and the Foundation. 'This partnership is the start of something generational,' said Dr Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Research, Innovation, Commercialisation, and Internationalisation (RICI). 'Together with the Sisulu Foundation, we are working to elevate justice, values, and voice in higher education,' he added. The programme opened with a musical tribute by the VUT Choir, followed by a welcoming address by Professor Khehla Ndlovu, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of VUT. Framing the event within the broader context of post-apartheid transformation, Professor Ndlovu stated, 'Walter Sisulu taught us that education is a tool for liberation, not assimilation. Today, VUT aligns itself with that moral compass.' Dr Pali Lehohla, Deputy Chairperson of the Sisulu Foundation and former Statistician-General of South Africa, delivered a thought-provoking preamble. He reminded the audience of Walter Sisulu's deep moral integrity and political foresight. 'The curriculum must become a site of justice,' he declared. 'This is not just about memory; it is about institutional renewal. We must build knowledge systems that serve our communities.' The keynote address was delivered by renowned anti-apartheid activist, theologian, and global human rights advocate, Dr Allan Boesak. Speaking as the Founding Chairperson of the Sisulu Foundation, Dr Boesak brought both intellectual rigour and emotional clarity to his message. 'Walter Sisulu was never concerned with being popular. He was concerned with being principled,' Dr Boesak said. 'In an age of political noise, we need moral clarity, not consensus.' He spoke passionately about youth and leadership, warning against complacency. 'This generation is not the one we are waiting for; it is the generation we must believe in. The moment demands young leaders unafraid to confront corruption, inequality, and apathy.' Quoting scripture and drawing from his work in the Black Liberation Theology movement, Dr Boesak closed with a challenge that resonated across generations: 'Justice delayed is denied. But justice silenced is justice betrayed.' Responding to the keynote, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), praised Dr Boesak's intellectual courage and called for universities to follow suit. 'Boesak reminds us that our universities must be homes of courage. He said that we are in a crisis of moral imagination, and this lecture dares us to recover it.' Mr Mphumzi Mdekazi, Chief Executive Officer of the Sisulu Foundation, led the Recognition Ceremony, honouring the ambassadors of Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Namibia for their contributions to peace, education, and Pan-African solidarity. 'These recognitions are not ceremonial,' Mr Mdekazi said. 'They are reminders that Africa must rise together.' He added, 'Walter Sisulu believed in the freedom of all people, not just South Africans. We honour that belief today.' He reiterated the Foundation's commitment to transformative action. 'The work of the Foundation is not about monuments; it is about movement. It is about giving voice to the silenced and access to the marginalised.' Dr Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu, daughter of Walter and Albertina Sisulu, politician and Patron of the Foundation, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks that blended personal reflection with political insight. 'I carry my father's name not as a badge, but as a responsibility,' she said. 'Walter Sisulu would be proud of this partnership. But he would also ask, what will you do with it?' She encouraged VUT to institutionalise the Walter Sisulu Lecture as a living archive of ethical discourse. 'Let this not be a once-off. Let it be published, archived, and debated. Let Walter Sisulu's name live in students' minds, not just on our lips.' Addressing the students directly, she said, 'Young people, stay on course. Do not be distracted by noise. Let your values guide your steps, even when no one is watching.' With the formal Memorandum of Understanding now in place, VUT and the Sisulu Foundation have committed to a multifaceted partnership aimed at fostering ethical leadership and advancing African knowledge systems. This collaboration includes the development of co-branded curriculum modules focused on ethical leadership, Pan-Africanism, and liberation history. It also encompasses student engagement platforms such as youth summits and writing competitions to encourage critical discourse and active citizenship among young people. A signature annual highlight will be the Walter Sisulu Memorial Lecture, designed to deepen public conversations and preserve the intellectual legacy of the struggle icon. The partnership will also work toward establishing research chairs that focus on justice, democracy, and African-led innovation. The event signalled more than an institutional agreement; it marked a call to restore integrity, amplify neglected histories, and drive transformation from the ground up. 'We are not just remembering Walter Sisulu,' said one attendee. 'We are activating his vision, and it begins with partnerships like this.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
VUT and Sisulu Foundation ignite a new era of ethical leadership in higher education
Mphumzi Mdekazi, CEO of the Sisulu Foundation, said the foundation aims to give a voice to the silenced and access to the marginalised. Image: Supplied 'This generation is not the one we are waiting for; it is the generation we must believe in.' These stirring words by Dr Allan Boesak set the tone for a day that moved far beyond ceremonial formality. On 12 June 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and the Sisulu Foundation for Social Justice signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Emerald Tsogo Sun Hotel, formalising a partnership grounded in ethical leadership, institutional renewal, and the urgency of youth agency. More than an agreement, the occasion marked the convergence of memory and mission, a deliberate step towards reclaiming justice, voice, and moral clarity in higher education. The signing took place ahead of the Walter Sisulu Inaugural Lecture, a milestone event anchoring the shared commitment between VUT and the Foundation. 'This partnership is the start of something generational,' said Dr Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Research, Innovation, Commercialisation, and Internationalisation (RICI). 'Together with the Sisulu Foundation, we are working to elevate justice, values, and voice in higher education,' he added. The programme opened with a musical tribute by the VUT Choir, followed by a welcoming address by Professor Khehla Ndlovu, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of VUT. The event served to formalise the collaboration between the Sisulu Foundation and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Framing the event within the broader context of post-apartheid transformation, Professor Ndlovu stated: 'Walter Sisulu taught us that education is a tool for liberation, not assimilation. Today, VUT aligns itself with that moral compass.' Dr Pali Lehohla, Deputy Chairperson of the Sisulu Foundation and former Statistician-General of South Africa, delivered a thought-provoking preamble. He reminded the audience of Walter Sisulu's deep moral integrity and political foresight. 'The curriculum must become a site of justice,' he declared. 'This is not just about memory; it is about institutional renewal. We must build knowledge systems that serve our communities.' The keynote address was delivered by renowned anti-apartheid activist, theologian, and global human rights advocate, Dr Allan Boesak. Speaking as the Founding Chairperson of the Sisulu Foundation, Dr Boesak brought both intellectual rigour and emotional clarity to his message. 'Walter Sisulu was never concerned with being popular. He was concerned with being principled,' Dr Boesak said. 'In an age of political noise, we need moral clarity, not consensus.' He spoke passionately about youth and leadership, warning against complacency. 'This generation is not the one we are waiting for; it is the generation we must believe in. The moment demands young leaders unafraid to confront corruption, inequality, and apathy.' Quoting scripture and drawing from his work in the Black Liberation Theology movement, Dr Boesak closed with a challenge that resonated across generations: 'Justice delayed is denied. But justice silenced is justice betrayed.' Responding to the keynote, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), praised Dr Boesak's intellectual courage and called for universities to follow suit. 'Boesak reminds us that our universities must be homes of courage. He said that we are in a crisis of moral imagination, and this lecture dares us to recover it.' Mr Mphumzi Mdekazi, Chief Executive Officer of the Sisulu Foundation, led the Recognition Ceremony, honouring the ambassadors of Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Namibia for their contributions to peace, education, and Pan-African solidarity. These recognitions are not ceremonial,' Mr Mdekazi said. 'They are reminders that Africa must rise together.' He added, 'Walter Sisulu believed in the freedom of all people, not just South Africans. We honour that belief today.' He reiterated the Foundation's commitment to transformative action. 'The work of the Foundation is not about monuments; it is about movement. It is about giving voice to the silenced and access to the marginalised.' With the formal MOU now in place, VUT and the Sisulu Foundation have committed to a multifaceted partnership. Image: Supplied Dr Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu, daughter of Walter and Albertina Sisulu, politician and Patron of the Foundation, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks that blended personal reflection with political insight. 'I carry my father's name not as a badge, but as a responsibility,' she said. 'Walter Sisulu would be proud of this partnership. But he would also ask, what will you do with it?'
