“Charmaine Funani, a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering, wins two inaugural Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards during VUT’s milestone 60th anniversary year.”
22 September 2026 | Story by: Tayron Mhlongo | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
A passion for science, a commitment to solving environmental challenges and years of perseverance have earned Ms Charmaine Kgomotso Funani double recognition at the Vaal University of Technology’s inaugural Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards.
On 18 September 2026, during VUT’s milestone 60th anniversary year, Ms Funani received both the Best Master’s Student in Chemical Engineering and Best Master’s Student in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology awards, making her one of the standout achievers of the evening.
Ms Funani was recognised for her Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, achieving an 83.00% average. Her achievement earned her departmental and faculty-level recognition, together with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award and a bursary valued at R34,680.
Raised in Ikageng Township in Potchefstroom by a single mother, Ms Funani credits her upbringing for shaping the values that have guided her academic journey.
“I come from a humble background and was raised by a hardworking single mother who instilled in me the values of perseverance, discipline and the importance of education.”
Her interest in science developed at an early age and evolved into a passion for finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
“Growing up, I developed a strong interest in science and problem-solving, particularly in finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.”
Receiving two awards at the inaugural Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards was a particularly meaningful achievement.
“Receiving these awards is both a privilege and a humbling experience for me. They represent the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance and dedication to academic excellence.”
Her Master’s research focused on struvite recovery from anaerobically digested waste activated sludge, transforming waste into a valuable resource and contributing to sustainability-focused engineering solutions.
“Knowing that this research was recognised at both departmental and faculty level is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue pursuing impactful research.”
Now pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Ms Funani’s research focuses on sewage sludge gasification for hydrogen production, a field that seeks to address energy security, waste management and climate change challenges.
Like many postgraduate students, she faced obstacles along the way.
“One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the demands of postgraduate research. Unlike undergraduate studies, postgraduate research can be highly demanding, independent and at times very lonely.”
She credits her faith, family and academic mentors for helping her persevere.
“First and foremost, faith and prayer have been a constant source of strength throughout my academic journey.”
Ms Funani also paid tribute to her mother and supervisors, Dr Benton Otieno, Professor Osifo and Professor Kabuba Tshilenge, whose support and guidance contributed significantly to her growth as a researcher.
Being recognised during VUT’s 60th anniversary year added further significance to the achievement.
“As someone who came from Ikageng Township and worked hard to reach this point, receiving this recognition during such a historic milestone is both humbling and rewarding. It reminds me of how far I have come and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.”
Looking ahead, Ms Funani hopes to become a leading researcher and academic in sustainable energy, waste valorisation and environmental engineering.
“I hope to contribute to the development of innovative technologies that address some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, including waste management, energy security and climate change.”
To fellow students, she offers a simple message:
“Believe in yourself, even when the journey feels difficult. There will be times when you feel tired, discouraged or alone, but do not give up.”
From her beginnings in Ikageng Township to becoming one of VUT’s most celebrated postgraduate achievers, Ms Funani’s story demonstrates the power of perseverance, education and purpose-driven research. Her double recognition at the inaugural Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards highlights both academic excellence and the role of research in addressing society’s most pressing challenges.