VANDERBIJLPARK.- The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) celebrated the achievements of a total of 3 965 graduates and diplomates from its four Faculties: Applied & Computer Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Human Sciences, and Management Sciences last week.

Dubbed the “autumn graduations”, the six-day series of ceremonies got underway  at the
University’s Desmond Tutu Great Hall at its main campus in Vanderbijlpark ran from the 17th  to the 22nd. Of the total number of qualifications to be conferred, 75 are doctorates and master’s degrees, 560 BTech & Bachelor of Education and Nursing, as well as Postgraduate Diplomas, while 3 330 represent
advanced diplomas, diplomas, and national diplomas.

In his congratulatory remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Dan Mokoena lauded the
graduates for having chosen VUT and trusting it with what he termed “moulding of their future
aspirations”, and for persevering against all the odds.

“Most of the students in the graduating class joined the University in 2020, the inception of the Covid-19 global pandemic. They did not have a normal campus life and their lectures and assessments were mostly online,” said Dr Mokoena, adding that despite this, they kept on.

He further described graduations as a ritual that symbolizes the rite of passage – a passage into an
unknown world of work for most. “It symbolizes the shift from the sheltered university life into an
often unhospitable, sometimes unwelcoming world,” he said.

Also notably, he highlighted that during these graduations VUT is introducing its new brand in its
academic regalia – for the first time, the procession will be wearing uniquely designed academic gowns
that portray the University’s new brand elements, while graduates will be graduating with faculty
hoods that display VUT’s unique trademark-protected pattern.