“VUT Executive Director: Human Resources, Ms Khanyisa Hanisi, reflects on resilience, finding her voice, balancing leadership and family, and helping to shape the University’s transformation.”
19 August 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Multimedia Team
4 minutes read time.
Leadership is often associated with confidence, authority and certainty. For Ms Khanyisa Hanisi, Executive Director: Human Resources at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), the journey has been far more human. It has been about learning to adapt, finding her voice, making difficult choices and continuing to show up through both personal and professional change.
As VUT marks Women’s Month, Ms Hanisi reflects on a journey shaped by resilience, focus and the ability to adjust when life does not unfold according to plan.
“Resilience, focus and adaptability to a lot of changes around me, both personal and professional, have really helped me to navigate challenges in my life and career and shaped my growth as a leader,” she says.
For Ms Hanisi, some of the greatest lessons have come from trying to balance the different roles she carries as a mother, professional and leader. At the height of her career, she also pursued her studies while trying to remain present for her family and continue giving her best at work.
“It has not been easy, but definitely worth it,” she says.
Her experience has taught her that balance is rarely perfect. Instead, it often requires intentional choices, sacrifice and an understanding that different parts of life may demand more attention at different times.
Through these experiences, she has come to appreciate the importance of looking after her own well-being while still remaining committed to the responsibilities that come with leadership.
One of the most defining lessons in her career, however, has been learning to advocate for herself.
“Negotiating for my voice to be heard in decision-making platforms taught me the value of defining my identity,” she says.
Finding that voice was not always comfortable. At times, it meant speaking even when there was uncertainty about how her contribution would be received.
“It taught me to be courageous and speak up even if my voice is shaking or even if the room may not agree with my thoughts at the time.”
For Ms Hanisi, having a voice in leadership does not mean having all the answers. It means having the confidence to contribute, challenge ideas and bring a different perspective to the table.
It is a lesson that may resonate with many women who enter leadership spaces feeling that they first need to prove that they belong before they can speak with confidence.
Today, Ms Hanisi finds herself playing an important role at a significant point in VUT’s journey. The University is implementing a new strategy while navigating broader institutional and leadership changes, and she sees Human Resources as an important part of that transformation.
“I am proud and honoured to be a woman spearheading the VUT transformation agenda at a time of so many changes, including a new strategy and leadership,” she says.
For her, Human Resources goes beyond policies, systems and administration. It is about people, culture and creating the conditions that allow an institution to move forward.
“I am proud to be part of the team that will give rise to change at VUT for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”
Ms Hanisi also acknowledges the support and trust she receives from Mr S’celo Mahlalela, VUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Resources and Operations, which she says gives her room to lead, learn and try new approaches.
“I would like to acknowledge the great support and trust I get from my boss, Mr Mahlalela. It allows me to try in what I do.”
For her, supportive leadership creates space for people to grow, experiment and develop confidence in their own abilities.
Her message to women who aspire to lead is rooted in the lessons she has gathered along the way: dream boldly, trust yourself, continue learning and do not allow fear of failure to silence you.
“Own your wildest dream, lead with courage, trust your voice, own your power and share ideas,” she says.
She also encourages women to remain open to continuous development.
“Take advantage of all opportunities to learn, unlearn and relearn continuously.”
And when mistakes happen, as they inevitably do, she believes they should be treated as part of the learning process rather than as reasons to doubt one’s ability.
“Make mistakes. The mistakes are lessons that build your strength and wisdom. Do not be too hard on yourself. You are human, after all.”
For Ms Hanisi, Women’s Month also carries a personal meaning. Born in August, she feels a special connection to a month dedicated to recognising the contribution of women in society.
“I am also proud to be born in this wonderful month that celebrates the resilience and the wonderful and great things that women are doing in our society.”
Her journey is not one of effortless leadership. It is one of adaptation, sacrifice, courage and learning to speak even when the voice is not completely steady.
As VUT continues its transformation journey, Ms Hanisi remains committed to helping build a University that is responsive to its people and confident about its future.
Her message to women is simple: trust your voice, keep learning, own your power and have the courage to take your place.