“Miya Mabena has been recognised as VUT’s top overall achiever after recording an 86.06% average in the 2025 academic year.”
22 September 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
When Ms Miya Mabena stood up to receive the Chancellor’s Award as VUT’s top-performing student, she knew the moment represented far more than academic results. Behind the recognition were years of discipline, sacrifice and the support of people who believed in her journey.
On 18 September 2026, during VUT’s milestone 60th anniversary year, Ms Mabena was recognised at the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards for her outstanding academic performance during the 2025 academic year. She received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award as the top-performing postgraduate student in the Faculty of Management Sciences and the Chancellor’s Award as the University’s overall top-performing student.
For the young academic from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, the awards represent much more than marks on a transcript.
“To me, these awards represent far more than good marks. They represent the late nights, the studying, the discipline, the times I had to say no to certain things and the sacrifices that happened behind the scenes.”
Today, Ms Mabena is pursuing a Master of Management in Logistics and Supply Chain at VUT. Yet logistics was not part of her original plan. She initially wanted to study Law, but her father’s involvement in the logistics industry encouraged her to explore a different path.
What began as parental advice soon developed into a genuine passion.
Growing up around her family’s logistics business gave her a firsthand view of how transportation and supply chains drive economies. As her studies progressed, so did her fascination with the movement of goods and the role logistics plays in connecting businesses and countries.
Her transition to VUT was not without challenges. After moving from IIE Rosebank College, she had to adapt to a different academic environment and learning approach.
When some of her early results fell short of her expectations, she chose not to become discouraged.
“I approached my lecturers and asked them to sit with me and explain where I was losing marks. Those conversations completely changed how I approached my work.”
The experience taught her the importance of asking for help, embracing feedback and continuously improving.
Ms Mabena credits her success to the support of her parents, lecturers and faith. She also acknowledges the role played by a Samancor Chrome bursary, which provided valuable industry exposure and helped her connect classroom learning with real-world experience.
Receiving the Chancellor’s Award during VUT’s 60th anniversary year made the achievement even more meaningful.
“To receive the Chancellor’s Award during such a significant year means that my own story has, in a small way, become part of that history. There is something special about knowing that while VUT is celebrating how far it has come, it is also celebrating the students who are part of where it is going.”
While proud of her academic achievements, Ms Mabena remains focused on the future. She hopes to become an innovative leader and entrepreneur and ultimately establish a logistics company with an international footprint.
More importantly, she wants that success to create opportunities for others through internships, mentorship and graduate development programmes.
Her advice to fellow students reflects the values that have guided her own journey.
“Academic excellence requires sacrifice and discipline. You do not need to be the most intelligent person in the room to achieve. Work smart, but also be willing to work hard.”
When challenges arise, she relies on a principle that has carried her throughout her academic journey:
“With God all things are possible.”
From a young woman who once planned to study law to VUT’s top-performing student, Ms Mabena’s story is a reminder that success is often shaped by unexpected opportunities, hard work and the courage to pursue a path you never imagined for yourself. As she looks to the future, her ambition is not only to succeed, but to create opportunities that will help others succeed too.