VANDERBIJLPARK – Colombian Ambassador to South Africa, Maria Del Rosario Mina Rojas, visited the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) delegation at the VUT Council Chambers on November, 13.

Mina Rojas’s visit was to further international collaboration and community development.

The VUT delegation included Professor Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Dr. Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, Commercialisation, and Internationalisation; Professor Christa Grobler, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning; S’celo Mahlalela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources and Operations; Joseph Radebe, Acting Director: Community Engagement; and Vido Kungune, Acting Director: Internationalisation.

This visit marked an important follow-up to an initial meeting held in February 2024, where areas for potential partnerships were first explored.

South Africa and Colombia share notable similarities in their histories and societal challenges, with both countries facing issues such as food security, gender-based violence, and the need for women’s empowerment.

Recognising these shared struggles, Mina Rojas has championed several initiatives in South Africa, including impactful efforts within the Boipatong community.

Under her leadership, the Colombian Embassy facilitated the donation of sewing machines and coordinated training programmes for women to equip them with sustainable skills.

During the visit, Mina Rojas and VUT leaders explored collaborative opportunities in areas such as agriculture, food security, nutrition, health, fashion, healing and self-care, and hospitality.

These fields were chosen for their alignment with social and economic needs in both South Africa and Colombia, underscoring a shared vision of community-focused development.

Looking ahead, VUT and the Colombian Embassy plan to draft a concept note by early next year.