The day of 13 October 2008 marked a historic epoch in the annals of the University, VUT embarked on a journey of crafting her “NEW BIGINNINGS”.

The event was fulfillment of a dream conceived in February 2007 as one of the ways in which VUT could profile and reposition herself within the Gauteng Province and beyond.

As a sequel to the dream, the event presented VUT with an opportunity to showcase herself by publicly making pronouncement on her achievements in the spheres of academic, economic, social & cultural, as well as in the intellectual skills development of our country.

The resounding success of the occasion was made possible by the large presence of the members of the Community, Staff, Students, and Business and in particular ABSA, which made a generous contribution towards meeting some of the costs. Also present were the mayor and speaker of Midvaal Municipality and some members of the Organized Labour.

Addressing the theme of the functions, the following speakers committed the University in its resolve towards strengthening its relationships and partnerships with the Community, Business and Industry in terms of capacity Building, Transformation, Research, Knowledge Production, Astute Financial Management and Public-Private Partnership: The Vice-Chancellor & Principal: Professor Irene Moutlana, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: (Institutional Support) Professor Gordon Zide, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor:(Planning & Resources) Professor Prakash Naidoo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: (Academic) Alwyn Louw, the Executive Mayor of Sedibeng District Municipality Clr M Hlongwane, the Chairperson of VUT Council Mr. Peter Skosana, the Executive Director: Research Directorate Dr Bernadette Johnson, a member of the VUT Council, representing parents, Ms F Moleli and the Senior Director: Student Support Services: Dr Segopane Seroka.

Mr. Vuyo Mbuli, the well known and articulate Presenter of SABC/TV 2 Morning Live show was the Programme Director and ably kept the audience on its wits because of his exuberant jokes and stories.

The crowds were entertained by the famous VUT Choir, Fashion-Designs, Poetry, and Modern & Traditional dancing.

The event was indeed a RESOUNDING SUCCESS and all the best of luck for future events of this nature go to VUT and in particular to the Public Relations Team, Ms Sehlabo, Ms Farrell, Ms Kotze, under the leadership of Ms Mokotsi (Manager: Corporate Affairs) & Dr Abe Kempen (Senior Director: Corporate Affairs)