Academics
From Restrooms Floors to Doctoral Gown: TUT Spokesperson’s Extraordinary Journey
There are moments when a woman stands in a red doctoral gown and the years collapse behind her like a long, heavy breath finally released. That was Dr Phaphama Tshisikhawe on 14 October 2026 - mortarboard straight, eyes bright, voice steady - telling the story of a doctorate earned through lonely nights of research and quiet sacrifice. A degree that, against every odd, almost never happened.
TUT’s industry-focused research attracts Germany-based professional for doctoral studies
After years of working in Germany's mechanical engineering industry, Maren Kobusch knew exactly what she wanted from her doctoral studies: research that could address the real challenges facing manufacturers. She found that opportunity thousands of kilometres from home, at the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Industrial Engineering, where applied research and industry collaboration are the mainstay.