Faculty of Humanities honours its brightest at Academic Excellence Awards

The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of Humanities celebrated academic distinction, research excellence and student success at its 2025 Academic Excellence Awards, recently held at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Menlyn in Pretoria.

The prestigious event brought together the faculty community to recognise outstanding achievements while celebrating the resilience, accountability, excellence and diversity that continue to drive its growth.

Executive Dean, Professor Mashupye Maserumule, set the tone for the evening by reflecting on the faculty’s progress in teaching and learning, research, student development, partnerships and community engagement. Among the significant achievements highlighted was the faculty’s collaboration with the Directorate of Student Development Support (SDS), which reached 6 104 students in 2025, representing a substantial increase from the previous year. The interventions included academic coaching and mentorship aimed at supporting student well-being and improving prospects for academic success.

Prof Maserumule also paid special tribute to Dr Maria Mnguni and the SDS team, as well as Reverend Daniel Ramokgadi, who is retiring, for his tireless advocacy for students living with disabilities.

The faculty also strengthened its partnerships and external engagement, signing 21 memoranda of understanding valued at R18 million, while external funding reached R96 million. Sixteen community engagement projects further strengthened ties with communities and aligned the Faculty’s work with the Sustainable Development Goals through practical initiatives and postgraduate research.

Dr Eric Pule, Director of Advancement and Partnerships, reminded guests that the faculty’s achievements extended beyond statistics. “Today we recognise excellence, but we also recognise the people behind it – dedicated students, committed academics, researchers, support staff and alumni who continue to carry the name of TUT with pride,” he said.

Dr Pule also highlighted the strength of TUT’s nearly 200 000-strong alumni network, describing graduates as ambassadors, mentors, employers, research partners and lifelong supporters of the University.

The awards showcased the breadth of academic and research talent within the faculty. In the National/International Recognition category, Professors Mzwamadoda Cekiso and Thabo Ditsele of Applied Languages were recognised as C2-rated NRF-established researchers, while Professor Tebogo Rakgogo and Dr Yanga Myataza were honoured as Y2-rated emerging researchers.

Teaching excellence also took centre stage, with Mrs Sholain Govender-Bateman of Journalism and Integrated Communication named 2025 Lecturer of the Year. Dr Katlego Arnold Mashego of Law, Safety and Security Management received the Lecturer of the Year Merit Award.

Departmental administrators, whose work plays an important role in supporting academic activities, were also recognised, and among them was Patricia Kgokane of the Department of Mathematics, Science and Business Education.

Research excellence featured prominently during the ceremony. Dr Thokozani Isaac Mtshali received both the Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award and Male Researcher of the Year, while Professor Sibongile Mnisi was named Female Researcher of the Year.

The Hamilton Naki Award went to Professor Ricky Munyaradzi Mukonza, while Professor John Molepo was recognised as Newsmaker of the Year. Dr Samuel Dumazi Khoza received recognition for outstanding graduation output, with Professor Adewale Olutola was named runner-up.

The Alumni of the Year Awards were presented to Alpha Ramushwana of Eye Witness News and Matjie Lehlohonolo Alfred Masoga, recognising the contribution and achievements of Faculty graduates beyond the University.

As the formal programme drew to a close, Public Management lecturer Mr Joseph Mudau from the Mbombela Campus raised a toast to the faculty’s continued growth, research excellence and academic distinction.

More than an awards ceremony, the evening affirmed the Faculty of Humanities’ commitment to developing talent, advancing knowledge and strengthening partnerships. It also underscored the enduring role of the humanities in engaging society’s complex challenges and contributing to a future grounded in academic excellence and meaningful impact.