NEWSIN BRIEF

eCorporate Communications | 18 APRIL 2016 | www.vut.ac.za

Your world to a better future

WATER CONFERENCE SEEKS URGENT SOLUTIONS

This year the Centre for Renewable Energy and Water (CREW) hosted its conference on home ground for the first time. The event, held from 7-8 April at the VUT Southern Gauteng Science Park and Technology, was opened by the organiser and Crew Director, Prof Ochieng Aoyi, who welcomed everyone present.

The main objective of the conference was to provide a platform for knowledge sharing among various stakeholders in water and wastewater management with a focus on the local government sector. This was to consol-idate similar initiatives aimed at collectively addressing the challenges in the sector. The stakeholders included individuals, political leaders, and academics, people from indus-try and municipalities and researchers who are to relook at their roles and come up with the kind of research that will address the

needs of society and make the world a bet-ter place for future generations.

The continent is looking for region specific solutions based on locally generated data as some conventional water treatment pro-cesses can no longer handle emerging con-taminants.. It is for this reason that collabo-rative efforts are urgently needed.

The initiative for the university-local gov-ernment partnership e came about from the Director of Special Services in the Vice-Chancellor’s office, Mr Mpho Diago who saw the importance for the University to build relationships with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LG-SETA) and other interested parties.

“Some partnerships usually have incon-sistencies but with the LGSETA it has been

clear from the onset; more work needs to be done. We live in times where we need to be comfortable with what we have but need to stretch ourselves further,” said Dr Berna-dette Johnson; Executive Director: Office of the Vice- Chancellor.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Irene Moutlana extended gratitude and apprecia-tion to Prof Aoyi for organising the confer-ence. “Water is a source of life. If we con-taminate the very source of our existence, how then shall we live? Water needs to be used wisely and it’s each and everyone’s re-sponsibility to make sure that there aren’t any leaks. It is researchers, academics and institutions who will have to be the social conscience of the problems we are facing. We are needed to stop and settle this on-slaught,” she said.

The conclusion of the conference was that a transition to a green economy is the only way towards a sustainable future. Prof Mau-rice Ndege: Executive Dean Faculty of Engi-neering and Technology said that he would like the VUT to become a leader in this re-gard and would strive to attain further re-sources. Some of the other main speakers were: Dr Bernadette Johnson, Dr Simphiwe Nelana: Director Research, Prof Sonia Khoufi: Centre for Biotechnology of SFax in Tunisia, Cllr Mr Simon Mofokeng: Mayor Emfuleni Local Mu-nicipality, Dr Stanley Liphandzi: Executive Manager: Water Research Commission, Prof George Ochieng: HOD Civil Engineering and Building, Prof Thokozani Majozi: NRF\DST SPE Chair: WITS, Seth Apollo: Phd Candidate: VUT, Saheed Sanni PHD Candidate: VUT and V Akinwekomi Phd student :TUT.

Qhawekazi Memani

Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Prof Irene Moutlana and Chairperson of Council; Cllr Simon Mofokeng with delegates and staff at the Water Conference

Your world to a better future

EXPLORE, DREAM AND DISCOVER

As the season is changing, a new beginning dawns for graduates at the Vaal University of Technology as the autumn graduation ceremony took place on 11 – 15 April 2016 at the Vanderbijlpark campus. The gradua-tion ceremonies are still in progress in other Delivery Sites (Satelite campuses) on 19-21 April. This year is particularly poignant for the institution as we celebrate 50 years of academic excellence - from its beginnings as a Technical College to a renowned Uni-versity of Technology, drawing students from almost 30 countries and producing over 50 000 graduates.

Management, council members, captains of industry and other important dignitar-ies graced the occasion with their pres-ence. Parents and guardians came from all parts of the country to join in the celebra-tions in honour of the graduates. Other spe-cial awards included, the Vice Chancellors award, Council’s Award, House of Roleen

Floating Trophy and the Overall Best Student from the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences.

In this year’s graduation ceremony, we were privileged to host the esteemed guest speak-ers Mr Stephen Ramotshehoa Leie, Dr Frans Ramusi, Mr Richard Chinomona, Mr Tshepiso Dumasi (VUT Alumni), Mr Wesley Lazarus, Mr Herman Thlako, Ms Simangele Soni, Mr Manglin Pillay, Ms Siphokazi Kwatubana and Dr Robert Tshikhudo. Dr Robert Tshikhudo, from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), used humour to explain the importance for our country to produce black industrialists. His talk was aptly titled: Ex-plore, Dream and Discover. He encouraged graduates not to become complacent, telling them they can rest but should not quit: “Life is full of challenges, but don’t ever lose sight of your goals. Persevere until the very end,” he concluded.

Anne NaiduCum Laude recipients

VUT PRINTING DEPARTMENT GOES ALL OUT

The printing needs of VUT have expanded dramatically in recent years and the de-partment has been investigating ways of doing things faster and better.

The department has appointed a HOD: Printing, Chris Pretorius who started on 1 April. He has seven years’ experience in Government printing, of which five years were in Government security printing; a

specialised field and scarce skill. Prior to joining Government, he worked for 13 years in the printing industry in the pri-vate sector. Chris is a very hands-on per-son and believes in skills transfer and staff development.

Chris, who is married with two daughters, also loves the outdoors and camping. We welcome him on board!

In March, a team comprising seven staff members under the guardianship of Mrs Tisch Farrell, Marketing & Brand Manager: Corporate Affairs Department, went on a benchmarking visit to Potchefstroom to compare their performance and see how they could improve in their printing op-erations.

This was a new experience for the print-ing staff members, as they inspected and examined the latest technology used by the Department of Education Print Shop. Staff witnessed how sophisticated print-ers can ensure quality production and consistent print in a short space of time.

They also visited the Xerox Ivyline Print Shop where most of NWU print work is done. The Ivyline staff was extremely helpful and supportive, as they allowed the VUT staff to work on their equipment and experience some of the latest print technology.

Staff also witnessed the importance of an effective production line and how small changes in a department can make a big difference in the work output. Thank you to Mari Herholdt from Ivyline Technolo-gies for making the arrangements for the visit to the two shops.

Tisch Farrell

Meet newly appointed Mr Chris Prestorius, HOD: Printing

Printing staff members acquiring information

THE BODY ACHIEVES WHAT THE MIND BELIEVES

The VUT Residence Fitness Academy (RFA) bootcamp has commenced for 2016. This programme falls under the Residence Living and Learning Department. Initiated in 2012, it happens every second week on a monthly basis and is open to everyone who wants to attend – male or female, fit or unfit. All shapes and sizes are welcome!

The Bootcamp has been formulated for the following purposes: to promote leisure and sport activities which alleviate educational

stress while maximising fun; to create and promote an interest in sports; to ensure talent identification at residences; to work effectively within a group; to expose the youth/students to a healthier way of living; and to create awareness of the importance of regular exercise.

Organiser, Pakiso Vigo Tjotjo said: “I saw a need for students to work out for health rea-sons and knowing the stresses that comes with being a student. I realised that I should help students deal with their everyday life better.” He also mentioned that the body achieves what the mind believes!

“I feel very light and cannot believe the amount of weight I have lost. My concentra-tion levels have improved in class, I sleep well at night. There are so many benefits of attending the RFA training sessions. I recom-mend it for everyone,’’ said member Winnie Harmans with a huge smile.

There are currently 56 members. The work-outs are done between 6 and 7 pm Mondays to Thursdays at the residence tennis courts.The next boot camp will be on the 23 April.

Residence Fitness Academy (RFA) team members

Qhawekazi Memani

Photos by Alechea & Jeanne-mari | Design by David | Contact details: nontobekoz@vut.ac.za x7688Your world to a better future

VUT CAREER FAIR 2016

The Co-operative Department hosted its annual Career Fair in March 2016 at VUT main campus in order to give students and industry the perfect opportunity to meet.

One of the department’s responsibilities is to promote the concept of enhanced learning based on the co-operation be-tween education institutions and industry, commerce and the public sectors as rec-ommended by the Higher Education Qual-ity Committee (HEQC 2004).

The event was aimed at getting students to liaise directly with companies that the Vaal University of Technology has part-nered with for Work Integrated Learning, internships or placement programmes. This is an excellent opportunity for both

students and companies to mingle and network and to help students identify pro-spective employers.

Despite the terrible weather, companies and a huge number of students attended and showed a keen interest in the event. As a result, companies have asked for the event to be hosted again this year; they benefit from such events as they save them time and the costs of advertising.

Thus the Career Fair will be hosted again during the second semester and students from all campuses are invited to attend. The Co-operative Education Department (N203) can be contacted for more informa-tion on this and other events.

Qhawekazi Memani

Students acquiring information

VUT MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS GET A GLIMPSE OF THE WORKING WORLD

Azande Ralephenya

Technology Station Manager, Mr Jaco La Grange sharing insight information with the VUT Mechanical Engineering students.

“Nobody is going to pay you to solve equa-tions, they’ll pay you to create and make things happen.” These were the words shared with the VUT Mechanical Engineering Students at the Science Park on Wednesday, 13 April.

The students were on a tour of the facility to gain a more practical and in-depth view of the reality of engineering – from Robotic Milling to Additive and Subtractive Manufac-turing.

Technology Station Manager, Mr Jaco La Grange, who has more than 15 years’ worth of experience as a lecturer and working en-gineer shared his insights with the group. He also explained that the Science Park is there to assist entrepreneurs who wish to start operating their businesses and to further train and upskill people.

He urged the Mechanical Engineering stu-dents to stay focused on their education and be on the look-out for internship opportuni-ties made available to them at the Science

Park in the near future.

David Mauchline, an expert in Additive Man-ufacturing, gave the students a presentation on the various products and service offer-ings at the Science Park. During the tour he explained that engineering is about making things work but also making things sellable. It is, therefore, important for engineers and designers to work hand in hand in an envi-ronment such as the Science Park.

“With technology you can get things done quickly and more efficiently. The Science Park’s goal is to motivate students to use their creativity and knowledge to help create a self-sustainable, resourceful country and contribute towards its economic growth,” he said.

VUT Science and Technology Park opens its doors to the public once a week for an ex-citing facility tour. The tour aims to attract young and innovative individuals who want to impact the lives of their communities positively.

Student RecruitmentMathete Koali Cell: 078 893 4557 | Phillip Masike Cell: 083 631 4651 Dimakatso Jingela Cell: 083 628 5595 | Zelda Kotze Cell: 083 630 7290

Vanderbijlpark CampusVanderbijlpark CampusGrade 11 & 12’s only

Saturday, 14 May 201609:00 - 14:00

(Parents and representatives from industry also welcome)

GRADUATES CELEBRATE HARD-EARNED ACHIEVEMENT IN STYLE.