University celebrates remarkable performance of students
by Phumla Mkize
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) freshmen – Olympic medallist Bayanda Walaza and shot-put sensation Aiden Smith – showed superlative class at the FISU World University Games, earning South Africa three of its six gold medals.
Olympic medallist Bayanda Walaza set a national record at FISU World University Games.
The pair stole the show at a special luncheon held on 20 August 2025 to celebrate the remarkable achievements of TUT’s athletes in the past six months.
Walaza and Smith won a total of four medals out of the 19 medals achieved by Team SA at the World University Games, which were held in Germany and concluded on July 27.
The medal haul ensured SA was the only African country to finish in the Top 10 with six gold, five silver and eight bronze, placing it seventh in the overall medal standings out of 150 countries that took part in the Games.
In his maiden World University Games, Walaza ran 10.16s in the 100m and 20.63s in the 200m finals to become the second South African to achieve a double sprint at the Games. It is a remarkable feat for the 19-year-old, only achieved by Anaso Jobondwana in 2013. He was also part of the 4x400m relay squad that brought home a silver medal.
First class performances on global stages
This comes at the back of Walaza achieving gold as part of Team SA’s men’s 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Relays held in Guangzhou, China in May 2025. At the same competition, Zenéy Geldenhuys captained Team SA’s women’s 4x400m relay team that won bronze and set a new national record. Though, Geldenhuys was with Team SA at the World University Games, she had to pull out due to health concerns.
Smith was sublime in the shot put, carding a massive 20.25m in the men’s final to win gold. The 21-year-old has been lighting up the SA shot put circuit, throwing 20.31m to win the 2025 South African Athletics Championships which took place in April 2025 in Potchefstroom. In March 2025, he threw a personal best of 20.73m, winning him the first leg of the ASA Grand Prix series.
Dr Shadrack Nthangeni, Executive Director for Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development said the students embody the pinnacle of excellence and determination that TUT nurtures. “Their triumphant haul of three gold medals at the World University not only elevates South Africa’s global standing but also brings immense pride to our institution and nation,” he said.
Discipline, resilience and talent that inspire beyond the field
Tumisang Shezi, was in the 4x400m mixed relay squad that finished fifth at the World Athletics Relays. He was in the 400m semi-finals at the World University Games but could not proceed to the finals due to injury.
Angelique Strydom ran in the women’s 4x400m relay squad that took fourth place at the World University Games. While public affairs student Khomanani Makamu was part of the basketball team that represented SA.
Director of Sport and Recreation at TUT, Dr Hajira Mashego lauded the student’s achievements: “TUT athletes embody an exceptional calibre of excellence – combining discipline, resilience, and talent to not only dominate in sport, but to inspire greatness beyond the field.”
Shot-put gem Aiden Smith wins gold.
Hanlie Murray, who was the team manager at the World University Games, said he was excited to see what TUT athletes will achieve next.
Pfano Ungedzani fused athleticism with activism when he ran 448km from Pretoria to Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou in June 2025 to raise awareness on gender-based violence. While Herold Makola, Thabo Podile, Themba Nkosi, Justice Vuma and Vernon Masango were consummate brand ambassadors, running the Comrades Marathon in TUT Colours.
Tumisang Shezi, was in the 4x400m mixed relay squad that
finished fifth at the World Athletics Relays.
Khomanani Makamu was part of the basketball team that
represented SA in Germany.
Angelique Strydom was in women’s 4x400m relay
squad that finished fourth.
Zenéy Geldenhuys captained Team SA’s women’s 4x400m relay team that won bronze in China.