VUT Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering’s Social and Outreach committee lauded for its commitment to local community engagement and development
15 March 2024
Recently, Prof Tumisang Seodigeng, the acting head of the Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering (CME) Department at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), took a moment to congratulate the department’s social and outreach committee (SOC) on their outstanding work.
The committee’s work is to facilitate the in-reach and out-reach commitment of the department to its members and the local community, contributing to the University’s efforts to community development and engagement as outlined in its mission and strategic goals.
Of note, Prof Seodigeng commended the Committee for successfully organising the Alumni Gala Dinner at the end of last year. Attended by approximately eighty (80) distinguished guests, the gala was a convergence of industrial personnel, business leaders, academics and students, all uniting with a common goal of establishing solid networks and professional relationships amongst them.
The evening was kick-started with a light moment of poetry performance by one of VUT’s Alumni , Mr Given Maleka who held the audience spell-bound and set the stage for a remarkable night. The venue, immersed in magnificent gold and black colors, projected a tone of allegiance to the cause. Decorated round tables with name tag designation underlined the event’s dedication to promoting social cohesion and integration between the guests.
The Master of Ceremony, Mr Gadinkosi Dube ushered an array of speakers earmarked to present on different topics pertinent to the gala dinner’s primary objective. The speakers presented on the three functions of the University which entail teaching and learning, research, and community engagement. The speakers of the night included VUT personnel: Prof John Kabuba, Prof Tumisang Seodigeng, , Mr Nhlanhla Nyembe, Mr Peter Masombuka (HOD Alumni Relations), Dr Annie Moletsane (Director of Cooperative Education), Ms Khathutshelo Nemavhola, Ms Nkele Baloyi, Dr Kentse Motsetse and Ms Letsabisa Lerotholi (SOC Chairperson). Notable figures and guest speakers for the night were Dr J Baloyi and Mr Polane Seepe both CME Alumni, who shared their experiences and gave insights on the impact of education on engineering practice in today’s world.
The gala also served as a platform to honour individuals and committees dedicated to making a significant contribution towards the growth of the CME department. Such committee’s included the SOC under the leadership of Ms Masego Lepule, Ms Salvation Muthubi, Ms Mikateko Baloyi and Mr Edward Modiba amongst its other members, and Industrial Liaison Committee (ILC). Top donors and sponsors such Anheuser-Busch InBev SA were recognized for their invaluable support in advancing the SOC and CME’s mission.
Amidst the celebrations, SOC seized the moment to announce the community engagement project that is done annually by CME to assist the nearby schools and the attendees were encouraged to join the charity or philanthropic drive. These strategic moves demonstrated a commitment to sustained efforts in alleviating educational challenges at an early stage in our community.
Attendees were vociferous in their admiration for the event. Acknowledgements and testimonials drew attention to not only the splendour of the gala but, more importantly, the impact it would have in mobilizing Alumni to give back to the university and forge solid networks going forward. Many expressed a renewed sense of unity and purpose after an exquisite night of inspiration and amity.
“When staff go beyond the call of duty, we, the line managers, must acknowledge the efforts. The organisation of the Gala dinner showed great initiative and demonstrated what we can achieve when we work together for a common purpose. This was an opportunity for me to say, ‘job well done’ to my SOC team.” said Prof Seodigeng.