“VUT alumna Maambele Tshivhase reflects on her journey from the University’s classrooms to the mining sector and her commitment to disability inclusion.”
12 August 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied
5 minutes read time.
Ms Maambele Tshivhase, a VUT alumna and Industrial Relations Practitioner in the mining sector, is featured in the VUT 60 Alumni Legacy Series for her journey of purpose, perseverance and professional growth.
When Maambele Tshivhase first arrived at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), she knew little about the institution. What she discovered was a welcoming academic community that would help shape not only her career, but also the resilient and purpose-driven woman she would become.
Today, Ms Tshivhase is an Industrial Relations Practitioner at Samancor Chrome Mine, where she advises on labour law, employee relations, disciplinary processes, dispute resolution and compliance with South African employment legislation.
Her journey from VUT’s classrooms to the mining sector is grounded in education, perseverance and a refusal to allow disability to define the boundaries of her ambition.
“My academic and professional journey has been characterised by resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Rather than viewing disability as a limitation, I have embraced it as a source of strength,” she says.
Ms Tshivhase graduated from VUT with a National Diploma in Labour Law in 2015 before completing a Bachelor of Technology in Business Administration in 2018. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to pursue postgraduate studies in Labour Law, and she is currently studying towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Before joining Samancor Chrome Mine, she gained professional experience at Absa and ArcelorMittal South Africa. These roles broadened her understanding of organisational governance, labour relations, employment legislation and workplace compliance.
However, her achievements extend beyond professional advancement. As a woman living with a disability, Ms Tshivhase has transformed her lived experience into a platform for inclusion and entrepreneurship.
She established Limitless Tours, a travel business that seeks to cultivate a culture of travel among people with disabilities. She is also the founder of OLO Clothing, an online baby clothing brand. Through these ventures, she has learned that progress demands innovation, courage and a willingness to confront obstacles.
“Real achievement lies in facing obstacles head-on. Success is achieved not by the absence of challenges, but by the ability to overcome them with integrity and determination,” she says.
Reflecting on her student years, Ms Tshivhase says VUT offered her far more than a qualification.
“VUT provided far more than just academic knowledge; it provided a blueprint for life,” she says.
The University’s practical approach to education, together with the diversity of campus life, helped her develop the adaptability, confidence and resilience that she would later draw upon in the workplace and in building her businesses.
Some of her most treasured memories are of lecturers and senior staff who took a genuine interest in student success. She also remembers collaborating with fellow students and building friendships that extended beyond the classroom.
Those experiences cultivated discipline, accountability, collaboration and perseverance, qualities that continue to guide her professional conduct and approach to leadership.
“They shaped not only my career but also my character,” she reflects.
As VUT celebrates its 60th anniversary of Inspiring Thought and Shaping Talent, Ms Tshivhase is proud to have witnessed the University strengthen its academic standing through innovation, curriculum development and partnerships with industry.
She is particularly inspired by the contribution VUT graduates continue to make across the public and private sectors, including in business, engineering, entrepreneurship and governance. For her, these achievements demonstrate the University’s ability to empower people from diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities, to realise their potential.
Looking towards VUT’s next 60 years, she would like to see the University deepen its relationship with industry, particularly within the mining sector. She believes expanded Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), graduate development programmes and structured mentorship opportunities could help more students bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace expectations.
“These opportunities enable students to translate academic knowledge into practical workplace competence while improving graduate employability,” she says.
Her vision for the University also includes continued investment in inclusive education through accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies and equitable learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
Having benefited from the knowledge, encouragement and opportunities she received, Ms Tshivhase now wants to help prepare the next generation. She hopes to contribute to VUT mentorship initiatives by supporting students interested in Labour Relations and Industrial Relations and sharing practical workplace knowledge, career guidance and professional development strategies.
Her commitment is especially personal when it comes to students who may encounter barriers because of disability or difficult personal circumstances. She wants them to see that their circumstances need not determine the course of their lives.
For Ms Tshivhase, alumni engagement should extend beyond celebrating the achievements of former students. It should create meaningful opportunities for current students to learn from graduates who have already navigated the world of work.
“The true value of education is realised when graduates return to uplift those who follow,” she says.
Her advice to current and prospective students is clear: a qualification provides a foundation, but character, integrity and work ethic ultimately shape a person’s success. She encourages students to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom through internships, volunteering, mentorship and leadership activities.
“Practical experience will distinguish you in an increasingly competitive employment market,” she says.
She also cautions students against measuring their progress against someone else’s timeline.
“Success is not measured by how quickly you reach your destination, but by the resilience, integrity and perseverance you demonstrate throughout your journey.”
As VUT marks Women’s Month and six decades of transforming lives, Ms Tshivhase congratulates the University for investing in generations of students and producing leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and professionals who contribute to South Africa and the wider world.
Her message to fellow alumni is to remain connected to the institution and to give back through mentorship, collaboration and service.
“May Vaal University of Technology continue to produce graduates who uphold justice, integrity, innovation and excellence, making a lasting contribution to South Africa, the African continent and the global community.”
Ms Tshivhase’s journey is a testament to what becomes possible when education is matched by courage and purpose. She has not allowed disability or adversity to write the limits of her story. Instead, she is using her knowledge, experience and voice to open the road for others.