Grace Mukoko was awarded the best learnerafter receiving four certificates and a trophy.

Gratitude went to several stakeholders, lecturers, mentors, and those who play a role in the students’ success.

Grace Mukoko (20), a second-year Industrial Engineering student, received no fewer than five awards, one of them for being the Best First-Year student in 2017.

She said she wishes that every student could attend such an event since there is no better way to motivate students.

“Students who never get the opportunity to attend these ceremonies get discouraged easily, some even convince themselves that the awards don’t matter, just so they don’t sink into that pool of negativity; but such events are truly inspiring,” she said.

Gibela Rail signed a five-year long partnership with TUT to, among others, offer internships and job opportunities to academically achieving students.

Ben Manana, a B Tech student who also received three certificates, acknowledged TUT for recognising students who are working hard.

“These certificates will not only help boost my confidence, but will also add value to my CV when I apply for jobs,” he said.

Students were also encouraged to plough back their engineering skills into their communities in order to gain more experience in the field of engineering.

Prof Khumbulani Mpofu, Chairperson of Gibela research, pleaded with students to put more effort into their school work and be encouraged by those who received their awards.