“VUT, Vaal University of Technology, Mangwatlane Mahlare, Spring Graduation 2025, Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing, student athlete, softball, balancing academics and sport, provincial championships, resilience and discipline”
26 September 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Supplied
2 minutes read time.
Ms Mangwatlane Mahlare, a proud Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing graduate, stood tall at the VUT Spring Graduations, celebrating a journey defined by both academic commitment and athletic grit.
Although she had initially envisioned pursuing volleyball after high school, a friend’s invitation led her to the university’s softball team. “Along the way, I fell in love with it,” she said. That passion soon opened doors to high-level competition, including a standout moment in 2022 when she represented VUT at the provincial championships. “Though I was still new to the sport, competing at that level while wearing VUT colours was an unforgettable experience.”
Balancing the demands of study and sport required discipline and sacrifice. Mangwatlane designed her own system: mornings and nights devoted to academics, afternoons reserved for sport. “Knowing what I wanted in life motivated me to persevere through every challenge,” she reflected.
Graduating was more than an academic achievement. It was also recognition of her ability to balance multiple roles with resilience and determination. “I am proud of my growth in both areas. Injuries, tough losses, and long nights of study taught me to be disciplined and never give up.”
Looking ahead, she plans to focus on her professional career, while keeping sport close to her heart. “I’ll always be an athlete. Even if I’m not competing right now, I’ll find my way back onto the field when time allows.”
To fellow and future VUT students, her advice is simple but powerful: plan carefully, stay disciplined, and treasure every moment of student life, whether in classrooms, auditoriums, or on the field.
Reflecting on her journey, she summed it up in one word: bittersweet. The victories and milestones are forever etched in memory, but so too are the struggles that made success worthwhile