qhawekazi memani | March 31, 2025
On March 27, 2025, the VAAL Institute of Technology (VUT) Accounting Office officially launched the Banks Sector Education and Training Office (Bankseta) Grade 12 Community Engagement Initiative. The event, held at VUT Auditorium 100, attracted key stakeholders, including principals and teachers from Sedibeng West District, representatives from Bankseta, acting executive director of VUT's Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) unit, director of community engagement, VUT lecturers, and head of accounting.
In his welcoming speech, Professor Chengezzai Mafini, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Science, said, “Let's all strengthen this relationship in the education of learners, and strengthen this relationship so that children can be given the best opportunity, especially in accounting and mathematics.” He further recognized the value of diverse perspectives in education and encouraged educators to provide academic support while meaningfully engaging with learners.
“Through this program, VUT has expanded its reach and incorporates 13 schools from the Western Cediven Region, and Bankseta is funding this initiative,” said Professor Mafini.
Maemo Kobe, who represents Dr. Maemo Kobe, Executive Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation, and Associate Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, Commercialization and Internationalization, highlighted the university's commitment to impact-driven, socially involved scholarships. He highlighted VUT's dedication to addressing social challenges through research, community-based projects, and commercialization of intellectual efforts. He also conveyed a message from the DVC. The DVC expressed pride in the efforts of the accounting department and pledged full support for the initiative.
Bankseta Representative Koena Molamudi detailed the organization's mission and highlighted his commitment to supporting education initiatives that promote youth development. “We're here to provide support. Hopefully this isn't the last project we'll be voting to improve the future of our learners,” he said. Similarly, Palesa Thebe, accounting facilitator for the Sedibeng West district, expressed his appreciation for the partnership and noted that support from both Bankseta and VUT would have a major impact on learners' educational journeys.
The Rev. Lindkle Manuel, a lecturer in the Accounting Department, introduced the Working Committee for the project and later ended his departure from Professor Maceko, the head of the Department of Accounting. Professor Gauda Maseko provided insight into the origins of the project, explaining that it first began with the specialized institution Dr. Molefi Olifant School. However, as the programmes expand, it has become clear that other schools face clear resource challenges. As a result, a digital literacy component was incorporated to ensure fair benefits for all participating learners.
Additionally, Professor Maseko announced that Bankseta directly supported Grade 75 learners in the Sedibeng West district and generically donated R800,000 to the initiative. He thanked all attendees and thanked Bankseta for his continued commitment to that cause.
“As an institution of higher education, VUT supports a strong mission of academic excellence, research and community engagement. By fostering such partnerships, universities reaffirm their role in social change and have the skills necessary to succeed in higher education and the workforce.”
Launching the Bankseta Grade 12 Community Engagement Initiative is a key milestone in VUT's ongoing commitment to education, empowerment and community development, ensuring that learners in the Sedibeng West district receive the support they need to be academically and beyond.
“Disclaimer – the views and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author and are not necessarily those of the Bee Room.”
