From TUT campus cleaner to cum laude Master's graduate

When Mpho Makgotlho first started working as a cleaner at the Tshwane University of Technology's Pretoria Campus in January 2022, many struggled to reconcile his role on campus with the fact that he was pursuing a Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Today, the 40-year-old's story has become a powerful reminder that circumstances do not define a person's potential.

Cum laude Master's graduate Mpho Makgotlho graduated with a Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering on 13 October after balancing his studies with his duties as a cleaner in Building 4 on TUT's Pretoria Campus. PHOTO: Gerrit Bester On 13 October, Makgotlho graduated cum laude with a Master's degree in Metallurgical Engineering during a Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment graduation ceremony, marking the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifice and determination.

"I have mixed emotions and don't know how to explain it. I'm so excited," he says. "I never thought that I would pass with distinction. I've never received a distinction in my life before.”

His achievement is particularly significant considering the challenges he has overcome throughout his academic and professional journey.

Born and raised in Mabopane, Pretoria, Makgotlho developed a passion for engineering from an early age.

"I grew up fixing things like computers," he recalls.

After completing matric at the Mabopane Secondary School, he enrolled for Metallurgical Engineering at TUT in 2008. He completed his Diploma in 2011 and began searching for employment. Over the years, he worked in various positions, including developing cleaning materials at the Technology Innovation Agency, facilitating water conservation training programmes and working as a trainee supervisor at a gold mine in Mpumalanga.

Throughout this period, he continued studying while also using his DJ business to help fund his education.

When the mine eventually closed due to financial difficulties, Makgotlho found himself unemployed and under pressure to provide for his son, Neo.

Realising that he could not afford to be selective, he applied for a permanent cleaning position at the Pretoria Campus and was appointed in 2022. At the same time, he enrolled for his Master's degree.

Although adjusting to the role was initially difficult, encouragement from his supervisor helped him to embrace the opportunity.

The experience also transformed his perspective.

"It changed the way I view cleaners. I realised how important their role is in any organisation."

While working full-time, Makgotlho dedicated his afternoons and evenings to research. His dissertation, titled Extraction of Platinum Group of Metals from Chrome Tailings Using Floatation and Different Lixiviants, was supervised by Dr Lehlogonolo Kanyane, Dr Nocholus Malatji and James Molelekoa Mosesane.

The journey to completing the qualification was far from easy.

"The challenges included getting my abstract approved and balancing work with my studies," he explains. "My abstract had to be rewritten four times. It was a process of doing and redoing."

Despite the obstacles, his hard work paid off with a distinction.

His mother and son accompanied him to the graduation ceremony.

"My parents are over the moon for me," he says.

Makgotlho’s ambitions do not stop with a Master's degree. He is already enrolled for a PhD and expects to defend his research proposal in February 2027.

While he is not actively pursuing a new position now, he is clear about his long-term aspirations.

Alongside his studies, he continues to run the detergent business he established years ago and has since partnered a manufacturing company that produces skincare products.

For those who have witnessed his journey firsthand, Makgotlho’s success comes as no surprise.

Zie Khuzwayo, Senior Supervisor at Facility Management, has worked closely with him since he joined the department.

"When Makgotlho started this journey, I called him Mpho. Today I call him Master Mpho," she says.

"Your hard work has paid off. You are a very dedicated person, and I wish you all the best for the next chapter. You are such an inspiration to us, especially the staff of Facility Management."