Top Geomatics graduate named as Chancellor’s Award recipient

Siyabonga Mthethwa, a geomatics graduate from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, has been named the Chancellor’s Award recipient as FEBE’s top student graduating cum laude with distinctions in every subject and earning national recognition for academic excellence.

Mthethwa graduated cum laude with distinctions in every subject and secured the Best Graduate Award from the Conference of Southern African Surveyors for 2025.

His achievement places him as FEBE’s top Geomatics graduate, marking one of the faculty’s most outstanding academic records.

“It represents the culmination of consistent hard work, discipline and a commitment to excellence,” he says. “It also reflects sacrifice and responsibility.”

Mthethwa’s academic journey is defined by consistency. From his first year, he achieved distinctions in every module, building a record shaped by discipline and focus.

“For me, it was about showing up every day. Committing myself to my academics and seeking help where I felt I was lacking,” he says.

His interest in Geomatics began with maps and spatial understanding and developed into a passion for solving real-world problems.

“I was inspired by maps and land,” he explains. “But over time, I saw how Geomatics supports planning, development and decision making in society.”

He is now pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Geomatics, aiming to become a Geographic Information Systems specialist and later a lecturer.

Mthethwa’s path to this achievement began in Dube Village in Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, where he grew up as the youngest of eight siblings. He arrived at university at 24 carrying responsibility and a firm decision to succeed.

During his first year, he stayed with a friend without secured funding, which created a lot of uncertainty. Support from the Sakhikamva Foundation later enabled him to continue, followed by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, which continued through to graduation.

“I went through my first year without funding,” he recalls. “It was the hardest part of my journey.”

He says those challenges strengthened his resolve rather than slowed him down, sharpening his discipline and focus.

Lecturers, peers and family supported him throughout his studies, shaping both his academic success and personal growth.

“Their support shaped me into who I am today,” he says.