“Fikile Fiona Maseko, a Master’s student in Information Technology at VUT, has been recognised for academic excellence while successfully balancing a demanding career, family responsibilities and postgraduate studies.”
22 September 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
For Ms Fikile Fiona Maseko, academic success has never been about collecting qualifications or pursuing marks for their own sake. It has always been about growth, creating opportunities and proving that learning can continue regardless of where life finds you.
That belief recently earned her recognition at the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards, where she received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award in the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences for her outstanding achievement in the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology.
For Ms Maseko, however, the recognition represents something much deeper than academic achievement.
“For me, the award represents much more than academic results. It represents the years of discipline, sacrifice, perseverance and commitment that went into my academic journey.”
A Business Intelligence Manager at First National Bank (FNB), Ms Maseko has spent more than a decade building a career in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. Her academic interests in Business Intelligence, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence closely align with her professional work and her passion for using technology to solve real-world challenges.
“My academic journey has been closely aligned with my professional career, with a strong interest in Business Intelligence, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and the use of technology to solve real-world problems.”
Her academic journey began with a National Diploma in Information Technology, which she completed cum laude, followed by an Honours qualification, also completed cum laude. Today, she continues that journey as a Master’s student.
For Ms Maseko, technology is ultimately about people.
“Technology is not only about systems and numbers; it is ultimately about solving problems, creating value and improving people’s lives.”
One of her greatest challenges has been balancing multiple responsibilities. As a working professional, wife, mother and student, she has had to juggle competing demands while remaining committed to her academic goals.
Rather than striving for perfection, she learned the value of consistency and resilience.
“I learned that academic excellence requires consistency rather than perfection.”
She believes setbacks are an inevitable part of growth and should be used as opportunities for learning rather than reasons to give up.
“I also learned not to allow setbacks to define my journey. Instead, I treated them as opportunities to learn, improve and come back stronger.”
While she credits her family, lecturers and mentors for supporting her journey, she also emphasises the importance of personal accountability.
“Ultimately, however, I believe that academic excellence also requires personal accountability.”
Receiving recognition during VUT’s milestone 60th anniversary year made the achievement even more meaningful and reinforced her commitment to lifelong learning.
Looking ahead, Ms Maseko hopes to deepen her expertise in Artificial Intelligence and data science while helping to develop the next generation of professionals entering the technology sector.
“I want to use my knowledge not only to advance my own career, but also to solve meaningful problems within organisations and contribute to the development of other people.”
Her advice to fellow students reflects the mindset that has guided her own success.
“Academic excellence is not about being perfect. It is about showing up consistently, putting in the work and refusing to give up when things become difficult.”
She adds:
“Your starting point does not determine your destination. Keep going. Your hard work may be preparing you for an opportunity you have not even imagined yet.”
As VUT celebrates 60 years of academic excellence, Ms Maseko’s story serves as a reminder that success is rarely achieved in isolation. Behind every achievement are sacrifices, responsibilities and moments of perseverance. By balancing the demands of career, family and postgraduate study, she has shown that excellence is not about perfection, but about having the determination to keep moving forward.