Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Vice-Chancellor and Principal with Dr Makisi Marhanele who received the Honorary Doctorate.
This year, the Faculty conferred qualifications on 3 069 graduates from various disciplines, which included 1 962 Honours, Postgraduate Diplomas and BTechs. The Faculty has consistently been producing high numbers of Masters’ and Doctoral graduates, with 50 Masters’ and 32 Doctoral qualifications in 2022. This autumn was no exception, with 25 Masters’ and 11 Doctoral qualifications from various disciplines conferred.
Two of the 11 doctoral degrees were conferred on staff members. Martha Lungi Kabinde, lecturer at the Department of Applied Languages, received a Doctor of Language Practice and Sabelinah Mmabjala Tshoane, an nGap lecturer at the Polokwane Campus received a Doctor of Policing degree.
Mengo Cosmos Masuku received the Chancellor’s Trophy for the Baccalaureus Educationis: (FET): (General) Cum Laude. “I feel blessed and humbled, while I can see that hard work really pays. I plan to further my studies and I have already registered for my Honours degree, majoring in Computer Sciences. I want to continue with my Masters until I reach the PhD level. Who knows, I might one day even become a lecturer at TUT,” said Mengo Masuku.
The faculty also graduated two visually impaired students. Rebone Yvette Mogale received a Bachelor of Education Honours in General Education and Training (Intermediate phase) and Sedzani Netshikweta a National Diploma: Public Management.
Netshikweta admitted that limited resources available for people living with disabilities made it harder to complete his studies. He was, however, overjoyed at reaching this milestone. Mogale who achieved her qualification cum laude echoed this sentiment. She thanked her lecturers and the TUT Disability Unit for the support and assistance during her studies.
The Faculty’s graduation ceremonies concluded on 14 April with Dr Max Makisi Marhanele, fondly known as “Bra Max”, an outstanding educator, former high school principal and an extraordinary indigenous languages writer, being honoured with a degree of DOCTOR OF LANGUAGE PRACTICE, Honoris Causa.
Dr Marhanele shared his delight at the University taking the lead in becoming a beacon of change in the transformation of academia in South Africa.
“For an institution such as TUT to recognise indigenous achievements like mine, is truly a step in the right direction. I will continue to assist in legitimizing and expanding Xitsonga literature to the world. I am truly grateful,” he said.