by Reatlegile Ratlagane 

On 8 June 2025, the 27-year-old Tshwane University of Technology Advance Diploma student in Internal Auditing, Humphery Mohajane, completed his second Comrades Marathon in 11:08:15, successfully beating the marathon’s cut-off time of 11.20.00 and proving that his disability does not hinder him from achieving his goals. 

This year’s Comrades Marathon was the 98th edition of the world’s ultra-marathon and took place from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. The Down Run race was 2 kilometers longer than previous years. 

Speaking about his journey to becoming a better version of himself and two-time Comrades Marathon participant,  the visually impaired Mohajane explained that his athletic lifestyle started in 2020 after receiving unpleasant comments on how he looked during the Covid -19 Pandemic. Motivated to get into  shape and improve his health, started to ease into a new lifestyle, becoming an active member of a gym and starting to change his eating habits. One thing led to another and as he became fitter and healthier, he gradually gravitated towards running marathons in January 2023. 

The support from his family and the Sweet Souls athletic club, as well as his own determination, motivated him to register for and run his first Comrades Marathon in June 2024, finishing at 10:39:00. 

“Determination is the hey - all I do is train for the next marathon. Being in touch with myself helps me identify areas in need of improvement. My athletic lifestyle has also improved my mental health. I no longer stress a lot about personal things and academics. It is my way of blowing off steam,” he said. 

Mohajane stressed the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle from a young age, highlighting how his disciplined eating habits and regular training have played a key role in his ability to conquer the 79.1 km marathon. Although he is visually impaired, he made it clear that he did not receive any special treatment during the race.

 “Because I am visually impaired, I must be extra careful when training on a busy route. I must be calculative and try not to step onto anything that can hurt me,” Mohajane said.

Doing an Internal Auditor Internship at the Gold Rush Group currently, Mohajane said he would not have been able to prepare for his trip to KwaZulu-Natal without the financial support from his athletic club and colleagues. 

Visually impaired TUT student, Humphery Mohajane participating in his second Comrades Marathon

by Phaphama Tshisikhawe

In a landmark achievement, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) secured the esteemed DSTI-NRF Co-Funded Research Chair in Applied Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. This recognition firmly positions TUT as a global frontrunner in advanced research and technological innovation.

Led by Prof Karim Djouani under the French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) and supported by Prof Anish Kurien, F’SATI Director and Acting Director of TUT’s AI Hub, this Research Chair positions TUT at the forefront of transformative AI and digital innovation.

Prof Karim Djouani

“This prestigious Chair is a defining moment for TUT, reflecting our dedication to advancing applied machine learning and AI. It empowers us to pioneer solutions for global challenges, reinforcing TUT’s leadership in AI research and digital transformation,” said Prof Djouani. 

Prof Kurien echoed this sentiment: “Securing this Chair demonstrates TUT’s dedication to bold, forward-thinking AI research with both local relevance and global impact.”

The achievement, driven by TUT’s visionary leadership, stems from a strategic partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and substantial funding from TUT’s Council. Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, played an important role in turning this vision into reality.

“This is not a mere accolade – it is proof of what a united, passionate team can achieve. Following the launch of our AI Hub in 2023, this Chair strengthens our position as a digitally advanced University leading in AI innovation,” said Dr Papu-Zamxaka. “

This milestone enhances TUT’s global research profile while also opening new pathways for collaboration, discovery and AI-driven solutions with lasting societal impact.

By Mosima Rafapa

An important five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) will ensure the re-establishment of a Clinical Engineering training centre, specifically for TUT students, at SBAH. Signed on 12 June 2025, this agreement will guarantee Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities at the hospital’s training facility for eligible Clinical Engineering students from TUT’s Department of Electrical Engineering (DEE), Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE). 

Creating awareness of critical social issues such as Gender-Based Violence and the importance of Mental and Emotional Health, especially during trying times like exams, were at the heart of a fun-filled Youth Day celebration event on 13 June, hosted by the Head of Library and Information Services (LIS) Jacomi Cathro and her team, at the Tshwane University of Technology’s eMalahleni Campus.

by Reatlegile Ratlagane

Recently appointed UNESCO Chairholder in African Integration and Innovation, Prof Mulatu Zerihun, Head of the Tshwane University of Technology’s Department of Economics, makes a significant societal impact through his extensive research and contributions to economic and social development across the continent.

by Kgothatso Monono

The 2024 graduating cohort of IIE Rosebank College enjoyed an unforgettable send-off on Thursday, 5 June 2025, during a prestigious graduation ceremony held at the State Theatre in Pretoria. A powerful and inspirational keynote address delivered by Dr Tshimangadzo Tshilongamulenzhe, senior lecturer from the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) was one of the undisputed highlights of the event.

by Kgothatso Monono

A group of passionate Girls in Tech students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) at the Tshwane University of Technology's (TUT) coding journey got a major boost when they attended the recent Entelect Coding Workshop, hosted in partnership with Girl Code at Entelect’s Melrose Arch offices.

By Polelo Madisha

From humble beginnings at the heart of Tshwane University of Technology’s campus radio, to commanding the national stage, Baphelile Sambo, a former TUT FM presenter and proud TUT alumna, is soaring as one of South Africa’s most dynamic broadcast producers.

By Polelo Madisha

TUT FM has received five nominations at the upcoming 2025 Community Radio Awards. This exciting milestone underscores the station’s growing influence and excellence in broadcasting, content creation and talent.

First published in Daily Maverick, 9 June 2025

by Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal

This book is an elegy to a beloved political party and a failing, if not failed state. Mathews Phosa is devastating in his truthfulness and stunning in his attempt to be generous to friend and foe alike.

by Mosima Rafapa

Two final-year Bachelor of Architecture students from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Damian Ciaglia and Dineo Mogane, have won the national Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest and will represent South Africa on the international stage in Nord-Isère, France, from 16 to 18 June 2025.

by Lerato Motsisi

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) constantly looks for opportunities to offer short learning programmes (SLPs) that could have a positive societal impact. It is to this end that the University partners with external organisations, foundations and companies that could contribute to the development and implementation of such programmes. The Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment engaged with the Blueprint SA Group, as well as the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation in exploring opportunities for collaboration in the development of an SLP focused on stakeholder management and social facilitation.