Excellence takes centre stage at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment awards

On a night when black tie met academic brilliance, the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) celebrated a new chapter in its story: the inaugural Faculty Academic Excellence Awards.

FEBE Executive Dean Prof Mxolisi Shongwe at the Faculty’s inaugural Academic Excellence Awards. Held at The Capital in Menlyn Maine on 28 August, the awards were championed by FEBE Executive Dean Prof Mxolisi Shongwe, with a vision grounded in a simple but powerful belief that “excellence in higher education is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent execution, and the courage to innovate”.

That intention was evident throughout the evening as the faculty recognised achievements across Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and the people who provide the support that keeps the academic and research engine running.

The evening was also attended by Assistant Deans Prof Thomas Olwal, responsible for Postgraduate Studies, Research and Innovation, and Dr Isaac Tlhabadira, responsible for Special Projects, Work-Integrated Learning and Community Projects.

The occasion was further elevated by keynote speaker Dr Daphney Mashile-Nkosi, a mining trailblazer and Chairperson of Kalagadi Manganese (Pty) Ltd, who delivered a thought-provoking address on the responsibility that comes with being an engineer and a professional.

In his opening address, Prof Shongwe said the awards were about more than hosting an annual celebration; they were about establishing a legacy and creating a tradition of recognising and elevating the exceptional talent, dedication and resilience within the faculty.

“This is not simply an event. It is the beginning of a legacy; a formal tradition of recognising, honouring and elevating the exceptional talent, dedication and resilience that define our academic community,” he said.

Keynote speaker Dr Daphney Mashile-Nkosi shared an inspiring message on excellence, integrity and the responsibility that comes with being an engineer. From undergraduate overall achievers to Master’s and Doctoral students, and from teaching excellence to research achievements, the awards placed the spotlight on the people helping to shape the faculty.

Among the recipients were Dr Regan Dunne, Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, who received the Best Use of Technology Award; Prof Shengzhi Du from the Department of Electrical Engineering received the Global Collaboration and Impact Recognition Award; and Dr Tariené Gaum, Head of the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, was named Emerging Researcher of the Year.

Prof Shongwe said the awards recognised excellence at different points across the faculty, from the classroom to the research environment and the teams working behind the scenes.

“We honour academics who leverage technology to transform classrooms, salvage high-risk modules, and guide our students from Higher Certificates and Diplomas through to Advanced Diplomas, Honours, and the Vice-Chancellor’s Award. We celebrate our researchers, from emerging scholars and doctoral candidates to our global collaborators, who expand the boundaries of knowledge, drive transformation and bring solutions to society,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contribution of staff members whose work may not always be visible but remains essential to the faculty’s success.

Dr Regan Dunne, Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, receives the Best Use of Technology Award. “We acknowledge those who work relentlessly behind the scenes, in our research offices, administrative units and departments, going above and beyond the call of duty to keep our operational engine running seamlessly,” said Prof Shongwe.

Dr Mashile-Nkosi brought a different energy to the evening, reminding the audience that the work of engineers reaches far beyond laboratories, lecture halls and construction sites. She described great engineers as people who leave a mark through the lives they touch, the systems they improve and the futures they help make possible.

Speaking directly to students and academics, she stressed that engineering carries a responsibility built on trust.

“An engineer does not simply build things. An engineer builds trust,” she said, explaining that every bridge crossed, train boarded, building entered, or piece of infrastructure used represents an invisible contract between society and the professionals who designed and built it.

Dr Tariené Gaum, Head of the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, receives the Emerging Researcher of the Year Award. She also cautioned against the growing normalisation of corruption, particularly in procurement and supply chains, warning that even highly qualified professionals can become caught up in corrupt practices.

Her message was direct: professional excellence must be matched by integrity.

“Do not allow your brilliance to become an instrument of corruption because when an engineer cuts a corner, it is not merely an accounting irregularity; sometimes a life is standing on the other side of that corner,” she said.

For Prof Caroline Khoathane, Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning, the awards reflected the faculty’s broader commitment to creating an environment where excellence can flourish.

“These awards reflect our faculty’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation in teaching, student success and continuous improvement,” she said. “We congratulate all nominees and recipients for their remarkable achievements and thank them for their invaluable contributions to the faculty. Their work reminds us of what is possible when commitment, excellence and a passion for what we do come together.”

Comedian Celeste Ntuli brought plenty of laughter to the evening as she entertained guests at the awards. Comedian and actress Celeste Ntuli brought laughter to the room, while the TUT Exceptional Band kept the atmosphere lively throughout the evening.

For the undergraduate award recipients, the occasion was made even more special by the presence of friends and family to share in their achievements. Their presence was a reminder that behind every certificate, medal and accolade are people, often an entire support system, who have walked the journey alongside them.

A look at some of the awards:
Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award
Winner: Dr Nicholus Malatji – Lecturer and Section Head, Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Merit: Dr Udochukwu Bola Akuru – Senior Lecturer, Electrical Engineering

Doctoral Student of the Year (Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers)
Winner: Dr Sifiso John Skosana – Lecturer, Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Merit: Dr Witske Meyer – Lecturer, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

S2A3 Bronze Medal Award for Master’s Student of the Year
Winner: Ms Clara Nkuna – Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Merit: Mr Rufhiwa Clifford Mufamadi – Electrical Engineering

Centres, Institutes, Technology Stations and Incubators (CITSI) of the Year Award
Winner: Prof Olawale Popoola - Centre for Energy and Electric Power (CEEP)

Research Support Award
Winner: Ms A Coetzer – Faculty Research Officer - FEBE
Merit: Ms Thandeka Ngwenya – Departmental Administrator, Industrial Engineering

Beyond the Call of Duty Award
Winner: Ms Mbali Blaai – Centre Manager, Rail Manufacturing Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (RMCERI)
Merit: Mr Jones Moloisane – Lecturer and Section Head, Civil Engineering Department

Dr Nicholus Malatji, Lecturer and Section Head in the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, receives the Champion of Research Capacity Development & Transformation Award. Lettie Mokua, Junior Lecturer in the Department of Geomatics, receives the Merit Award for Best Use of Technology.

A special evening of celebrating excellence, achievement and the people who continue to make a difference across FEBE.