The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) awarded the Institutional Lecturer of the Year award for 2023 to Prof Joseph Roberson from the Department of Hospitality Management. He received the accolade at TUT’s annual Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony, during which he also received the Lecturer of the Year award from the Faculty of Management Sciences.
According to Dr Nesamvuni, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, the award is a well-deserved recognition of Prof Roberson’s life-long commitment to academic excellence, innovation and the transformative power of education.
Since the start of his journey as a lecturer on 1 August 1991, Prof Roberson has dedicated his efforts and time to helping students realise their potential and equipping them to navigate the ever-evolving hospitality industry landscape.
According to him, teaching is more than a profession, it is a calling. He explained his teaching philosophy that is inspired by Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development and Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow, blending challenge with support to create adaptive and engaging learning environments. ”This award is a significant milestone in my career and recognition of my efforts to inspire and connect with students, which are achieved through the grace and guidance of the Lord,” he said.
He added that all his achievements are part of a greater plan and credited his success to the Lord’s mercy and blessings.
Prof Joseph Roberson from the Department of Hospitality Management, received two coveted awards, the Institutional Lecturer of the Year for 2023 as well as the Lecturer of the Year for the Faulty of Management Sciences, during the University’s annual Academic Excellence Awards.
Dr Mmakgabo Malebana from the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at the Polokwane Campus, received the award as Runner-up for Lecturer of the Year in the Faculty.
Prof Roberson, a passionate educator, continuously explores new and innovative ways to inspire learning. He said the award will serve as a source of motivation to continue shaping lives and advancing academic excellence, while he remains committed to completing the final phase of his academic journey with the same dedication and passion that have defined his career.
Dr Mmakgabo Malebana from the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at the Polokwane Campus, received the award as Runner-up for Lecturer of the Year in the Faculty.
“These awards are indeed a milestone in any lecturer’s career and I couldn’t be prouder of these two lecturers and their achievements,” said Dr Nesamvuni.