Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) celebrated a significant milestone with the official opening of its new multi-purpose hall at the Ga-Rankuwa campus on Wednesday, 27 November. The event brought together students, staff, and distinguished guests to mark the addition of this exciting new facility. The hall is set to become a central hub for a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. Starting in 2025, it will also host graduation ceremonies, making it a key venue for future milestones at the university
The event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Elikanah Lumadi, the interim campus rector at Ga-Rankuwa. In his opening remarks, Dr. Lumadi expressed his enthusiasm about the new facility and its potential to positively impact the campus community. “Today marks a significant moment in the history of our campus,” he stated. His speech highlighted the building’s importance in supporting both academic assessments and social gatherings. With a capacity to accommodate 485 students during academic assessments, the hall provides ample space for large-scale events, making it a versatile and valuable addition to the campus.
Following Dr. Lumadi’s welcome, Professor Polly Mashigo, the Executive Dean of Economics and Finance, addressed the gathering to explain the purpose of the event. She reflected on the long journey toward the completion of the hall, sharing that the vision for the project was first conceived in 2013. “The journey to completing this hall has been a long one, but today, we are celebrating the realization of this vision,” said Prof. Mashigo. She also emphasized that the hall will not only host academic events but will serve as the venue for graduation ceremonies starting in 2025, marking a proud milestone for the entire university community.
The keynote address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor and Principal of TUT, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, who emphasized the importance of the new infrastructure in enhancing the student learning experience. “A modern and well-equipped campus is essential for preparing our students for the challenges of the future. This multi-purpose hall is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class facilities that support both academic and social programs,” he remarked. Prof. Maluleke also acknowledged the long journey the university had undertaken to bring such developments to fruition. “Today, we officially open this hall, a symbol of our resilience and dedication to providing the best possible environment for our students,” he said, before proceeding to cut the ribbon and officially open the hall.
The ceremony was full of energy, with cultural and musical performances that brought the event to life. The TUT Campus Choir moved the crowd, followed by a lively indlamu dance from Blended Up Production. The Executive Dean Dance Group added their own flair, and a beautiful solo and baritone performance brought a touch of elegance. The entertainment truly showcased the diverse talents at TUT and the role of culture in university life.
Dr. Nkgatho Tlale, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Operations, gave the vote of thanks, praising everyone’s hard work on the project. “This hall represents our collective effort to improve the student experience,” he said, closing the event with gratitude.
The new multi-purpose hall is set to become a foundation of academic, cultural, and social events at the Ga-Rankuwa campus. With its capacity to host large academic assessments and graduations, along with its role in supporting a range of student activities, the hall will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of TUT. As the university looks ahead, the completion of this project is a promising sign of continued growth and development.
