13 November 2024 | Story: Tshepiso Kaibe. Photo: Naledi Nkosi.
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The Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Department of Student Support Services (SSS) recently hosted the prestigious Student Life Achievement Awards on the 01st of November, celebrating the accomplishments of students who excel beyond academics. The vibrant event, held at Science Park in Sebokeng, gathered an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty, and staff for an evening dedicated to recognizing student achievements in leadership, sports, social impact, and personal growth.
The awards ceremony began with an inspiring welcome from Dr. Sibusiso Mchunu, Acting Deputy Vice – Chancellor for Resources and Planning,
who opened with heartfelt remarks for the esteemed guests, executive management, and the young achievers being celebrated. Expressing his joy at the return of this event for a second consecutive year after a lengthy hiatus, Dr. Mchunu emphasized the importance of honoring student achievements outside the classroom. “Students spend more than 75% of their time outside the classroom,” he noted, highlighting the crucial role of extracurricular involvement in personal and professional development. In his closing, he offered a powerful message: “The choices you make and the people you associate yourself with when making certain life choices will determine how successful you will be in the future.”
The event was graced by the presence of various university leaders, including Professor Chengedzai Mafini and Professor Christa Grobler, who contributed to the event’s celebratory atmosphere. The focus then shifted to the awards ceremony, with the day’s purpose clearly set: to recognize and honor the students’ achievements in a range of categories. Honorees included recipients of the Global Citizenship Award, Fastest Growing Social Structure of the Year, Sporting Code of the Year, Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, among many other notable distinctions.
Adding motivation and wisdom to the evening, Mr. Tshepo Sechele, a VUT alumnus and founder of Sechele Facilitation and Training, delivered a moving keynote address. Citing the famous words of Zig Ziglar, “You don’t have to be great to start, you have to start to be great,” Sechele encouraged the audience to focus on personal growth and to pursue their goals regardless of background or obstacles. “It does not matter which corner of the world you come from, how many people told you it is not possible, where you were born, nor the socioeconomic status of your family,” he said. “What matters is that you have started.” He celebrated the event as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and excellence each award recipient exemplifies.
Throughout the evening, entertainment by talented local artists added flair and energy between awards. Performers included Umnikazi we Pen, Wandile Manganyi, Thembisile, Lily Music, OG Wanto, and Pxzess, whose performances captivated the audience and complemented the spirit of the celebration.
To conclude the ceremony, Mr. Musa Mpanza expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success. He acknowledged the dedication of the SSS team, the support from VUT staff, and the efforts of the performers, congratulating all award recipients and nominees for their commitment to excellence and positive impact on campus life.
In her absence, Acting Director of Student Life and Governance, Dr Soni’s leadership and commitment to student well-being have been instrumental in the success of the event. Her efforts in supporting and empowering students at VUT continue to make a lasting impact on campus life.
The Student Life Achievement Awards shone a spotlight on the resilience and ambition of VUT students, fostering a campus culture that values and supports students’ holistic development.
Please follow the link below to access the images from the ceremony