Latest news with #VUT
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
VUT hosts successful Wellness Day together with with 4D Healthcare Consulting
VUT hosts successful Wellness Day together with with 4D Healthcare Consulting VANDERBIJLPARK – The Human Resources Department at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in collaboration with 4D Healthcare Consulting (Pty) Ltd, recently hosted Wellness Day 2025, an event aimed at enhancing staff awareness of health and wellbeing. The day commenced with an energising fun walk led by Sakhile Cele (Director of HR Operations), Tshimangadzo Tambani (Remuneration and Benefits Manager), and the HR team. Starting at the university's main gate and winding through the campus to the Desmond Tutu Building, symbolising a step towards healthier living. The central feature was the Wellness Experience, where staff underwent comprehensive health screenings lasting 20 to 30 minutes, receiving personalised wellness reports to inform them about their health status and lifestyle risks. Cele and Tambani led by example, being the first to participate in the screenings, reinforcing VUT's commitment to employee wellness. In partnership with 4D Healthcare Consulting, the university provided expert-guided screenings, including Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure tests (assessing cardiovascular and metabolic health), Weight, height, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements (evaluating physical health and obesity risk), Confidential HIV testing (ensuring privacy and discretion). Staff were encouraged to dress comfortably for assessments and bring their medical aid membership cards or driver's licenses for registration. Wellness Day 2025 highlighted the importance of regular health checks and reminded everyone that wellness is a journey: one step, one screening, and one choice at a time. This initiative reflects VUT's ongoing dedication to fostering a supportive, health-conscious workplace. By prioritising early detection and informed health decisions, the university empowers its staff to lead healthier, more productive lives. T hese screenings are critical as they help individuals understand potential health risks early and take the necessary steps to address them. VUT fosters a workplace culture rooted in care, awareness, and proactive health management by investing in staff well-being. This initiative builds on previous wellness programmes at VUT, reinforcing the institution's vision of a thriving, health-aware community. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Health services brought closer to young people
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) students received firsthand experience of essential health services during the Close the Gap Higher Education event by Girl Effect South Africa in collaboration with the Department of Health, South African National Aids Council, and Higher Health. The event on May 9 was graced by various guests, including the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The campaign encourages HIV testing and treatment, helping close the country's significant treatment gap. The activation is part of a national strategy to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aims to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those achieve viral suppression. According to statistics, youth account for a large proportion of the estimated 5.7 million South Africans living with HIV but not on antiretroviral therapy. The campaign focuses on improving access to youth-friendly healthcare on campuses and in communities. Girl Effect brings its experience in youth-centred communication, behaviour change, and media to help break down stigma and promote informed decision-making. Its focus is especially on adolescent girls and young women, who remain at higher risk of HIV infection and are often underserved by the health system. Through its flagship programme ' Jik'iZinto', Girl Effect connects young women with trans-formative health education and digital engagement. During the event, over 1 687 students accessed HIV counselling, testing, ART initiation and contraceptive services. Young people were educated on oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a daily pill that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. Young people were also encouraged to conduct screenings for STIs, TB, and chronic diseases. Students actively participated in youth dialogues and peer-to-peer health education. Country Director of Girl Effect South Africa Dr Lisa Mulenga says too often, young people face barriers that prevent them from seeking the healthcare they need. 'At Girl Effect, we work to remove those barriers by creating platforms where young people can access accurate information, engage with relatable content, and feel supported in making decisions about their health.' During the event, Nkomo-Ralehoko engaged with stakeholders, culminating in a pledge signing ceremony. The event demonstrated the health department's commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing health challenges and promoting meaningful partnerships. The VUT activation featured student-led dialogues, physical wellness activities, live performances, and keynote addresses from key decision-makers. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
ERU produce another stellar performance
East Rand United left-wing Elvis Brandt helped his team to a commanding 43-3 victory against the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in a Valke Merlin League match at the Graveyard in Reiger Park on May 24. The home side dominated the match, preventing the visiting team from scoring any tries. The VUT only managed to put three points on the scoreboard. At half-time, United led 19-3. In the second half, the home team again played like a well-oiled machine, scoring four tries to extend their lead. The visitors failed to add any points in the second half. Following the match, head coach Godfrey Mbangeni told the Boksburg Advertiser he was proud of the team's performance. 'I'm elated. We started well in the first half and stuck to our structures. We played everything well, getting the ball out quickly. That's why we led in the first half. In the end, it's a good score,' he said. Team spirit Mbangeni said team spirit was high at the moment. 'We've had four wins in a row; it's building up. The guys are happy, and when you're happy, you win. That's the atmosphere we want to maintain. There is room for improvement, but we want to go all the way. We plan to win every game and take it one game at a time. We'll now focus on our next match,' he said. United will face the Boksburg Rugby Club on 31 May at Prince George Park in their next league encounter. Point scorers Tries: Liya Ngxiki, Wyclef Vlitoor, Elvis Brandt (two), Velile Tshabalala (captain), Anele Magubane (vice-captain), Nsizwa Khumalo. Conversions: Chezlin Oosthuizen (four). Also Read: East Rand United loop deur onder vandalisme Also Read: Meet ERU's new captain At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hamilton Spectator
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton extends deadline to avoid tax on vacant homes by a month
The city is giving stragglers another month to make declarations for Hamilton's new tax on vacant homes . With 94 per cent of residential property owners meeting the original April 30 deadline, finance staff aim to encourage more to file their paperwork. To do that, council has agreed to extend the vacant unit tax (VUT) declaration period to May 30. The city will send letters to the remaining property owners next week, Mike Zegarac, general manager of finance and corporate services, said Wednesday. 'So one further effort for outreach.' The VUT, which is meant to discourage vacant homes, is a one per cent tax on the assessed value of properties with six or fewer units that were vacant for more than 183 days the previous calendar year. A number of exemptions apply. The properties of those who don't make declarations will be deemed vacant. Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto also have taxes on empty homes. There have been hiccups — including technological glitches, postal delays and overloaded phone lines — in Hamilton's maiden VUT rollout. Council has waived the $250 penalty for tardiness. And earlier this spring, the city held drop-in clinics to help residents fill out declarations while councillors also made efforts to assist constituents. 'There has been continuous improvement in terms of the process,' Zegarac said Wednesday. An average of about 1,500 declarations per day have been received in the last 10 days of the initial declaration period. With about 13,000 properties still outstanding, of those forms already submitted, just over 300 have been declared vacant, staff noted. Initial payments for those on quarterly plans are due in June. An appeal process for those who missed the deadline or disputes for charges is to start in July. For more information about the VUT, including how to make declarations, visit .
