by Kgothatso Monono
Surprise Mashao, a remarkable 22-year-old from the village of Ga-Matipane in Tzaneen, was recently honoured with the prestigious 2023 Chancellor’s Award.
The ceremony, held at Kievites Kroon Wine Estate in Pretoria on 2 November 2024, was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Chancellor Dr Gloria Serobe and Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke.
The Chancellor’s Awards recognise top-performing students in each Faculty. Mashao received the award for Top Performer in the Faculty of ICT.
Growing up in Tzaneen, Mashao completed high school at Mandela Barloworld Agricultural High School in 2019. She began her higher education journey at TUT in 2020, enrolling for a Diploma in Informatics. She is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in the same field.
Mashao’s passion for technology sparked her interest in informatics, as she is captivated by how technology can change lives, solve problems and drive innovation.
Her academic journey has not been without challenges. Adapting to rigorous coursework while balancing personal life, required significant effort on Mashao’s part. Through strong time-management skills and support from her peers and mentors, she navigated the hurdles with remarkable resilience.
Mashao prioritises tasks and maintains a structured schedule, which allows her to balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities. Participation in various ICT-related projects, including Hackathons, has enabled her to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
“To current and future ICT students, view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to give up. I believe that determination, hard work and a positive attitude are essential to overcoming obstacles and achieving success,” she said.
“Looking ahead, I aim to make a meaningful impact in informatics, particularly in data analysis and cybersecurity. I envision taking on leadership roles, mentoring others and contributing to innovation in the technology sector,” she added.
Suprise Mashao, Faculty of ICT 2023 Chancellor Award recipient.
She said the support from TUT and the Faculty of ICT was crucial to her achievements. Despite facing difficulties during the transition to a new programme structure, the guidance from faculty members and encouragement from peers created a positive environment that fostered her growth.
Mashao has also developed strong skills in programming languages such as Java and Python. These skills will give her a competitive advantage in the ICT field, where she hopes to thrive.
Her journey proves her dedication, perseverance and passion for technology. Her achievements, including the 2023 Chancellor Award, reflect not just academic excellence but also a commitment to personal and professional growth.
As she continues her studies and prepares for a promising future in the tech industry, Mashao is sure to inspire many others along the way.