“Palesa Chubisi graduates with a master’s degree in public relations management from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) during its 60th anniversary, marking a journey of resilience and purpose.”
17 April 2026 | Story by: Reabetswe Matsiliso | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
On a day that carried the weight of history and celebration, Ms Palesa Chubisi walked across the stage at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) as part of its milestone 60th generation of graduates, earning her Master of Management in Public Relations Management.
For her, this was more than a qualification. It was the closing of a chapter that began in 2005, and the quiet fulfilment of a promise she made to herself many years ago.
Originally from Ficksburg in the Free State, Ms Chubisi has built a respected career in the media industry, becoming a familiar voice and face to many South Africans. From her work as a journalist to her presence on national platforms such as Morning Live on SABC, she has spent years informing, engaging, and connecting with audiences across the country. Yet behind the public profile was a deeply personal pursuit, the determination to complete her postgraduate studies.
Balancing a demanding career between Bloemfontein and Johannesburg, she continued to return to her academic journey with focus and intention. At one point, she made the difficult decision to step away from work entirely, sacrificing income and professional opportunities for nearly two years to dedicate herself fully to her studies.
Reflecting on the moment, she speaks with a sense of earned pride. “We are the graduates of resilience, and I can attest to that because the Master’s journey was not easy. The delays I encountered make this moment even more meaningful, especially as it coincides with the University’s 60th anniversary,” she said.
Her words carry the weight of experience, not theory. “I aspire to inspire before I expire,” she added, a simple statement that captures both her philosophy and her purpose.
For Ms Chubisi, the journey demanded more than intelligence. It required discipline, mental strength, and the willingness to make difficult choices. “Go for it, but be ready mentally,” she advises those considering postgraduate study. “If
you are not ready mentally, it becomes difficult. It requires discipline, and you may need to make sacrifices to complete your studies.”
Her achievement stands as a powerful reflection of what it means to persist, especially for working professionals who return to academia while carrying the weight of careers, expectations, and life itself. It also speaks to VUT’s broader role in nurturing lifelong learning and producing graduates who are both industry relevant and deeply grounded in purpose.
As she looks ahead, Ms Chubisi is not slowing down. She plans to return to the professional space through public relations consultancy, while setting her sights on doctoral studies. Being part of the graduation ceremonies, she says, has reignited her ambition and sharpened her vision for what lies ahead.
In the story of VUT’s 60th generation, her journey stands out as a reminder that success is rarely linear. It is shaped by pauses, sacrifices, and the courage to begin again.
Palesa Chubisi did not simply earn a master’s degree. She carried it across years of persistence, and in doing so, turned it into something far more meaningful.