SEDIBENG. – In celebration of its 60th birthday, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has committed to documenting historical figures of the Vaal region.

The historical figures include Dr Molefi ‘Bra Levai’ Oliphant, George Thabe, Bull Lehoko, Augustine Makalakalane, Goma Goma Masango, Sunny Marumo and many other sports personnel.

Others include Enoch Sontonga, Dr. Maxeke and D.K Khunou.

Biography ready by end of May

Professor Teboho Pitso, Head of the Centre for Research Capacity Development at VUT said,

“I am assigned that task as the Senior Manager in charge of research.  I have already started the biography of Augustine Makalakalane. The biography of Dr. Oliphant will be ready by end of May 2026 but will be officially launched in September by the renowned Prof. PLO Lumumba who also wrote its foreword.”

The book about Dr. Molefi Oliphant, lifetime President of SAFA, traces his mega-narrative from his birthplace of Marantha location in Maokeng, Kroonstad, through to his astronomical rise to CAF, Olympics Committee, and FIFA.

“It also covers his multiple awards. It also covers various stages of humanity and defines where humanity is headed and how Dr. Oliphant contributes to advance humanity to its final destination of what I call jamais-vu period (opposite of de javu).”

 His friendship with Pula-Pula Mothibi and relative, Zola Majavu is also highlighted in the book.

Hall of fame needed in the Vaal

 “The book also makes an appeal that a Hall of Fame be created for people like George Thabe, Moeketsi Nteso, Dr. Mokhesi, Bull Lehoko, Augustine Makalakalane and ntate Moletsane of Itsose Primary School who discovered Augustine Makalakalane and many others who contributed to the development of Kasi and the Vaal region,” said Professor Pitso.