by Nhlawulo Vision Chauke and Amogelang Aysha Ramatena
Home is where the heart is and this certainly rings true for Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Alum, Karabo Mohale, a Development Economist, seasoned Board Chair who is highly experienced in higher education, governance and youth development, who has remained deeply connected to TUT beyond her national roles.
During her student years she served as SRC President, a Member of the University Council and currently chairs the Board of The Tshwane Institute for Continuing Education, an entity wholly owned by TUT.
She also holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from The University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, earned through a Chevening Scholarship.
Her academic other achievements include a Baccalaureus Technologiae (B Tech) in Marketing Management from TUT, a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Marketing (Cum Laude) from MANCOSA and a Master of Science in Economic Policy from SOAS University of London. According to her, a PhD is definitely included in her future plans.
In 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mohale as the Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). In this important role, she spear headed investments and led special projects aimed at fostering transformation and socio-economic inclusion among young people.
Another feather in her leadership cap was her appointment as a Councilor at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and named a board member of NSFAS by the Minister of Higher Education and Training in February 2025.
According to Mohale she cannot emphasize the importance of giving back to the institutions that shaped her enough. “TUT invests so much in its graduates, therefore it is important to return to the spaces that supported and helped to build us and give back in different ways,” she said.
Initially she was drawn to radio during her studies, but she later shifted her focus to student leadership, a decision that led to her becoming SRC President.
Growing up in Ga-Modjadji, Limpopo, a community known for being led by women for over 200 years, she continuously finds inspiration in strong female figures. “Where I come from, leadership is in the hands of women. We look up to them, which is why I never feared to step into male-dominated spaces,” she reflected, recalling her appointment as a TUT Council member at only 26 years old.
Mohale acknowledged that her journey has been shaped by those who saw potential in her. “We are not where we are just because of our brilliance, but because people took a chance on us.”
She strongly advocates for identifying and nurturing young talent. “Just as others who believed in us, we need to recognise potential and support young people who want to take up space and make meaningful contributions. For me, it was the University and my fellow alumni who invested in me.”
Karabo Mohale
