By Kgothatso Monono
Born on 9 August in Mabopane – a date that fittingly falls on Women’s Day – Molebogeng Mashilo has become a driving force for change at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). During her seven years as Academic Excellence Officer at the Faculty of ICT, she has reimagined student support with a winning mix of strategy, mentorship and innovation.
She pioneered the Faculty’s much-loved, all-night Studython – a 12-hour academic marathon helping students prepare for tests and exams – and in 2024, her dedication earned her a Faculty Recognition Award. Her most transformative achievement is SASO (Student Academic Support Office), a data-driven platform developed in-house to identify at-risk students early, coordinate interventions and measure results. In just three years, SASO has boosted the Faculty’s success rate by nearly 14%, often turning academic probation into graduation.
Her innovation has attracted national attention, with SASO showcased at the Academic Leadership Programme and the national Brown Bag 7 event hosted by CREST. Beyond systems, Molebogeng is a champion for women in technology, serving as Chairlady of the ICT Girls Forum, mentoring young women and leading an all-female ICT student team to victory in a national hackathon – an achievement that took her to Amsterdam for the European Women in Technology conference.
Molebogeng Mashilo, driving force behind the much-loved Studython and SASO (Student Academic Support Office)
Looking ahead, she plans to expand SASO into a national model, integrating it across faculties and even linking it to school databases for early intervention. Her soon to be launched SASO Academy, aims to share these innovations with institutions countrywide.
“Seeing a student turn their academic journey around and walk across the stage to graduate is a moment that makes every challenge worth it,” she said.
Molebogeng's Women’s Month message is clear: “Believe in your vision, even when it’s not yet visible to others. Your strength, courage, and honesty are your powers – use them with confidence.” Quoting Proverbs 31:25, she adds: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
More than an architect of a system, Molebogeng is a mentor, a leader and proof that when passion meets purpose, the results can change lives.