“Kemoloile Macks Otsweleng graduates in Ecotourism Management at VUT while balancing national volleyball, showing resilience and discipline.”
22 April 2026 | Story by: Teboho Goniwe | Picture: Kutlwano Prudence Ramokopelwa
2 minutes read time.
When Mr Kemoloile Macks Otsweleng walked across the stage at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), it was more than a graduation moment. It was the culmination of years spent navigating two demanding worlds, lecture halls and national volleyball courts, often at the same time.
Originally from Steilloop in Limpopo, his path was not always clear. Ecotourism Management was not his first choice, yet somewhere along the way, curiosity turned into commitment. What began as an alternative became a purpose, as he discovered the role the field plays in protecting the environment while supporting communities and local economies.
But the journey was never simple. Being a national volleyball player meant early mornings, long training sessions, and travel for tournaments. At times, these commitments collided with academic responsibilities, forcing him to make difficult choices and to manage every hour with intention.
“Balancing volleyball and academics was not easy, but through hard work and determination, I managed to push through,” he says.
There were days when exhaustion lingered and pressure mounted, yet he remained steady. What carried him through was not only discipline, but the quiet strength of those around him. His parents, siblings, and coaches formed a circle of support, offering encouragement when the pace became overwhelming.
Their belief in him became something he could return to, especially when the demands of sport and study felt like too much to hold at once.
Now a graduate, his story speaks to more than achievement. It reflects a young man who learned to adapt, to persist, and to grow into opportunities he did not initially choose. It is a reminder that sometimes the path finds you, and what matters is how you walk it.
To those who follow, his message is simple and grounded. “Study hard. That is the most important thing.”
As part of the VUT 60th generation of graduates, his journey carries a quiet significance. It is the story of movement, between places, between disciplines, between doubt and certainty. And in that movement, he found his balance.