Hear, hear to the next generation of creative leaders

by Gerrit Bester

Students, staff, industry partners and friends of the TUT Department of Visual Communication (VISCOM), Faculty of Arts and Design, gathered at the Maslow Hotel in Pretoria on 21 November to celebrate the brightest stars across Integrated Communication Design, Commercial Photography and Motion Picture Production. Recognition like this not only honours individual achievement but also reinforces collaboration, morale and the ongoing pursuit of excellence within this top-notch department.

Speaking at the VISCOM Awards, Dr Herman Botes, Acting Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning and Head of the Department, aptly described the event as “a celebration of excellence, innovation and shared achievement.”

“Tonight is far more than an awards ceremony; it is a reminder of what becomes possible when we create, learn and imagine together. Moments like these allow us to pause, reflect and truly appreciate the extraordinary talent and dedication that surround us in this department.”

POWER IN COLLABORATION

Dr Botes highlighted the Executive Dean, Prof Nalini Moodley’s declaration of 2026 being a year defined by collaboration, noting that she was also present to see her students shine.

“This evening embodies that vision. Under the inspired direction of Dr Nicola Haskins and the Dance programme of the Department of Performing Arts, we opened with a remarkable fusion of the digital and physical worlds, a performance that captured the essence of our faculty’s creative future. It is a testament to what happens when different disciplines come together, not to compete, but to complement one another, each amplifying the strengths of the other,” Dr Botes said, also citing other powerful partnerships.

He added that the roles as creatives and citizens extend beyond studios and classrooms.

“The same commitment and active participation that enable our students to thrive globally are the very qualities that sustain our society. As I often argue in my research on critical citizenship, we each carry a responsibility to keep South Africa’s democracy alive. Democracy does not decline overnight; it weakens slowly, when people disengage, when we stop questioning, when we become passive or comfortable. Democracy is not self-perpetuating; it requires vigilance, engagement and hard work. When we grow complacent or indifferent, we undermine the constitutional freedoms that were achieved through immense collective effort.”

“That responsibility also calls us to confront the injustices that continue to shape our social reality,” Dr Botes added.

VISUAL ACTIVISM

Dr Botes furthermore stressed that as a creative faculty, it has the power to amplify voices, challenge harmful narratives and design work that refuses to ignore these truths. “Visual communication is deeply political – it shapes perception, influences culture and tells stories that can either reinforce or dismantle inequality. Our students and staff have consistently demonstrated courage in this space through exhibitions, visual activism and design work that speaks directly to lived experience,” he concluded.

Winners were announced in 41 categories by media personality Eloise Cupido, including awards for rookie visual communicators, a VISCOM Trailblazer and Creative Visionary Award, as well as Hero’s Journey Awards for students whose academic journeys serve as an inspiration.

Dr Herman Botes, Acting Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning and Head of the Department of Visual Communication, Faculty of Arts and Design.

Eloise Cupido, media personality and compère for the evening.

Dr Herman Botes and Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design, are steadfast in celebrating and supporting their students’ achievements, with Prof Moodley always present to see her students shine and celebrate their successes alongside them.

The highest honour of the VISCOM Awards, the Creative Vision Award, recognises a student whose conceptual leadership goes far beyond the expected – someone who creates with intention, clarity, originality and purpose. From an exceptional group of nominees, one creative voice stood out for refined craft, bold thinking and a distinctive, forward-looking point of view. Congratulations to Lenea John Mokoena (ICD IV), recipient of the 2025 Creative Vision Award – a rising creative force whose work promises to shape South Africa’s visual communication landscape. Mokoena will also represent TUT at the Malmö University next year through the prestigious Erasmus+ exchange programme.

Integrated Communication Design lecturer Theo Madonsela pictured with Hein Grové, Acting Head of the Department of Visual Communication, who oversaw and produced the entire VISCOM Awards event. His leadership, creativity and commitment played a pivotal role in shaping an unforgettable celebration of student excellence.

The Best Overall Film of the Year was awarded to It’s Just a Movie, produced by Artmost Respect – the top honour in Motion Picture Production. This award is sponsored by the Johannesburg Film Festival, a champion of bold and original African storytelling and a strong supporter of emerging filmmakers through major prizes and invaluable industry exposure.

Under the inspired direction of Dr Nicola Haskins and the Dance programme of the Department of Performing Arts, the event featured three remarkable dance performances that captured the essence of the faculty’s creative future.

VISCOM family gathering at the Maslow Hotel, celebrating the brightest stars across Integrated Communication Design, Commercial Photography and Motion Picture Production.

PHOTOS: Herman Verwey