by Nhlawulo Vision Chauke and Phaphama Tshisikhawe

Seven “Top tier” graduates of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) were recently honoured with Chancellor’s Awards for consistently demonstrating exceptional academic excellence, achieving the highest pass average in their respective faculties.

Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Chancellor, Dr Gloria Serobe and TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tinyiko Maluleke alongside TUT Executive Management and Chancellor Awards Recipients from Faculty of Economics and Finance: Simphiwe Patrick Xolo, Faculty of Humanities: Reagile Frances Makwela, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology: Surprise Kgaogelo Mashao, Faculty of Management Sciences: Edgar Tebogo Radigwana, Faculty of Science: Zanté Bester, Faculty of Arts and Design: Alden Clapper.

Top university management, faculty deans, head of departments, student leaders and alumni joined award recipients at the ceremony hosted at the Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate on 2 November 2024.

The TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, congratulated this year’s awardees, adding that they were the “innovators we need for the future”. The VC also expressed the hope that this recognition would encourage the recipients to continue doing meaningful work wherever their future journeys might take them. “We are here to shine a light on our exceptional graduates, demonstrating that TUT is where you come to move from good to great,” he emphasised.

Prof Maluleke also acknowledged TUT alumni, citing them as living proof of the university's impact, showcasing future-readiness, innovation, employability, and social influence.

Dr Gloria Serobe, Chancellor of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tinyiko Maluleke.

Dr Gloria Serobe, TUT Chancellor, delivered a fervent address on education's transformative power in shaping South Africa's future. She highlighted TUT’s crucial role in providing skills and knowledge and in building a talented workforce that enables global competitiveness.

“This is not only a great achievement for the university. It is also for your families, communities and many others who consistently pray for your success. Now, go out there and shine”, Dr Serobe added.

Zante Bester, the Faculty of Science’s top graduate, congratulated fellow award recipients on their remarkable achievements. “Your tireless efforts have paid off, and it's an honour to share this moment with each of you. I'm inspired by the diverse perspectives you bring, and I'm confident that our unique experiences will propel us toward a brighter future,” she said.

To encourage students who are yet to graduate, Reagile Frances Makwela, top performer from the Faculty of Humanities spoke about the sleepless nights, the sweat and tears. “I encourage you to keep on going, even when the going gets tough. Learning is a lifelong enriching journey. You and I are the founders of our futures and collectively, the beacon of hope for the betterment of our world,” she said.

The 2024 Chancellor's Awards recipients are:

  • Faculty of Economics and Finance: Simphiwe Patrick Xolo (Diploma in Internal Auditing)
  • Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment: Shivendra Nath Tripathi (Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering)
  • Faculty of Humanities: Reagile Frances Makwela (Diploma in Integrated Communication)
  • Faculty of Information and Communication Technology: Surprise Kgaogelo Mashao (Diploma in Informatics)
  • Faculty of Management Sciences: Edgar Tebogo Radigwana (Diploma in Entrepreneurship)
  • Faculty of Science: Zanté Bester (Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostic)
  • Faculty of Arts and Design: Alden Clapper (Diploma in Performing Arts, Music)  

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