by Phaphama Tshisikhawe
After a stint at different universities, including as an Associate Professor at North-West University, Prof John Molepo has returned to his alma mater, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He joined the university effective from 1 January 2025, as an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Management.
Known for his philanthropy work, through an initiative called Thusangwanageno (Help your brethren), Prof Molepo has assisted more than 800 students with tuition and registration fees, including over 400 students with learners and drivers licenses, all mostly funded. All of this great work is self-funded and he also receives donations that go towards the projects.
Speaking on the various initiatives he spearheads, Dr Molepo said: “The urgency of our time demands proactive leadership. It demands that we rise to the occasion, not as passive observers, but as active participants in shaping our destinies and the future of our nation”.
Prof Molepo established a community centre for the Soshanguve community and surrounding areas for the youth to have easy access to services such as CV drafting, job application support, university applications, homework support for learners, printing, scanning, and email services. Part of the initiative includes setting up mini libraries at various schools in Soshanguve, as well as the refurbishment of schools.
Prof Molepo was honoured on various occasions by a number of organisations and institutions for his community initiatives and the latest being an award from Inside Education, as one of the 100 South African Shining Stars under the category of Education.
Prof John Ntshaupe Molepo
The awards were at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Johannesburg, and are part of celebrating young people under 35, who are making great strides in their respective industries and communities.
Other awards include the 2019 Presidential Award for his philanthropic work, 2021 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans under the education category, 2022 Sunday World unsung heroes under the education category and in 2019, he was also nominated as one of the 100 most influential young South Africans by Avance Media under the education category.