“VUT’s Rethabile Molehe shines at the 2025 PRISM Awards, winning Best Public Relations Student of the Year. A proud moment for VUT and future PR leaders!”
28 October 2025 | Story: Nontobeko Moimane | Photo: Keitumetse Makgope
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) community is beaming with pride after one of its brightest stars, Mr Rethabile Molehe, was crowned Best Public Relations Student of the Year at the prestigious 2025 PRISM Awards, held from 16 to 18 October. The PRISM Awards remain South Africa’s most respected platform for recognising excellence in communication, public relations, and brand reputation management.
For Mr Molehe, this triumph marks both the culmination of dedication and perseverance and the dawn of a promising career in communication. “It feels fantastic. This recognition is a reward for all the hard work, late nights, and commitment I’ve put in,” he said. “To receive such an accolade, especially gold, means so much more.”
Reflecting on his academic journey, Mr Molehe credited VUT for shaping his professional outlook beyond the classroom. “One of the earliest lessons I learned in my first PR lecture with Dr Felix Mwadiwa was the importance of networking and participation. That stuck with me. Since then, I’ve tried to engage in as many opportunities as possible beyond academics. “It shaped how I see PR, not just as a course, but as a space to grow and connect.”
His award-winning portfolio reflected a blend of academic excellence, creativity, and initiative. “It included leadership roles as a mentor, peer educator, and radio presenter, alongside his blog, one of whose articles was published nationally.” He also showcased a translanguaging certificate and a successful PR event organised in his second year.
“I almost gave up until I found out that students didn’t have to pay an entry fee,” he recalled. “I put my submission together in one day, but it was really the year’s work that spoke for itself. One of the judges came up to me and said, ‘Well done, you deserve it. But it was very close.’ I almost walked away with silver that night!”
Motivated by the success of peers and mentors, Mr Molehe draws inspiration from every graduation and professional milestone he witnesses.
“Each time I see someone earn their PhD or achieve something remarkable, I remind myself that I can reach that level too. I have this personal obsession with wanting to be the best in everything I do.” Looking ahead, he envisions a future that bridges practice and academia.
“My dream has always been to work in an agency, but I’m also drawn to academia. “I want to show that PR isn’t just for practitioners, it’s a mindset and a skill everyone can benefit from.” He further underscored the need for communicators to grasp how technology is transforming the industry.
“Too often, when we speak about AI, we limit it to tools like ChatGPT, forgetting that augmented, virtual, and mixed realities are equally shaping how we communicate. Understanding these nuances is vital to the future of PR.”
“Winning on a national stage brought immense pride, not only to Mr Molehe but also to the VUT community he represents.” “It genuinely felt amazing. I could hear the surprise in the room when they announced ‘Vaal…’ But I believe this won’t be the last. We’ll see more VUT students winning in the future, especially with opportunities like being part of the Young Voices.”
As he celebrates this remarkable achievement, he remains grounded and grateful. “Thank you to my lecturers, classmates, and the broader VUT community for your time, effort, and belief in me. Today it’s me, tomorrow it’s someone else. What matters most is that we continue to represent the university with pride and excellence.”
VUT congratulates Mr Rethabile Molehe on his outstanding achievement. His success reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to nurturing innovative, passionate, and globally competitive graduates, individuals who embody the VUT spirit of excellence, leadership, and transformation in every sphere they enter.