by Nhlawulo Vision Chauke
In a moment of triumph following years of hard work, Rose Mathole has risen to the top of the Faculty of Humanities at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), earning the prestigious Chancellor’s Award.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics, she has demonstrated extraordinary academic excellence, securing 34 distinctions out of 36 modules.
However, her story is not just about numbers; it is a testament to resilience, determination and the power of a strong vision.
Her passion for Mathematics was not born out of natural talent but rather from a painful experience in Grade 10. “I got zero in a Mathematics test, and I still remember how hurt I was when my teacher called my name in front of the class. That day, I told myself that I was not going to be defeated by numbers,” she recalls.
Instead of letting failure define her, she turned it into motivation. Through relentless practice, she improved, eventually securing the top position in her grade.
This top honour was not just a personal achievement - it was about transforming her family’s future.
“I always told myself that I would take my mother out of poverty, so I had to push until I made it,” she shares.
This unwavering sense of purpose kept her focused, even in the face of academic and personal challenges.
Achieving 34 distinctions is no small feat, but Rose attributes her success to two key strategies: recognising when she was most productive and sharing her knowledge with others.
Rose Mathole, Chancellor’s Award for the Faculty of Humanities.
“I wasn’t selfish with what I knew. I formed a study group where I tutored fellow students. Whenever they had complex problems, they would come to me and in solving them, I sharpened my own understanding.”
She credited several individuals who played a vital role in her success. Among them is Dr Mathye, her Mathematics lecturer, who unknowingly inspired her love for the subject and encouraged her to make it more accessible to others.
Her best friend, Ndlovu Lebogang, supported her in practical ways - sometimes even ensuring she had a lunchbox during tutoring sessions.
Her mother, Mathole Mokgadi, was her emotional pillar, always present during her toughest moments. And her husband, Maake Mandla Hope, her high school sweetheart, was her greatest cheerleader - waking her up to study and supporting her dreams unconditionally.
She plans to pursue an honours degree, a master’s and eventually a PhD in Mathematics.
“Being an educator means being a lifelong learner. There are always new problems to solve and I need to enrich my intellectual capacity to help students better.”
