“VUT Environmental Science graduate and karate champion Olwethu Mkhwanazi reflects on overcoming challenges, balancing sport and studies, and the discipline that shaped his success.”
14 September 2026 | Story by: Shaun Michael Ndou | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
For many students, earning a qualification is the result of years of hard work and perseverance. For Vaal University of Technology (VUT) graduate Mr Olwethu Mkhwanazi, the journey to graduation was shaped not only by late nights of studying but also by the discipline, focus and resilience he developed on the karate mat.
As VUT celebrates its Spring Graduations on 14 September 2026, Mr Mr Mkhwanazi proudly joins the ranks of graduates after completing his qualification in Environmental Science. Looking back on his journey, he says discipline was the key ingredient that helped him succeed both academically and as a competitive athlete.
Originally from Volksrust in Mpumalanga, Mr Mkhwanazi chose to pursue Environmental Science after discovering an interest and aptitude for the subject during his high school years. Like many students adjusting to university life, his transition was not without challenges. One of his biggest setbacks came during his first year when he did not pass Mathematics 1.
Rather than allowing the disappointment to define him, he used it as motivation.
“Failing that module taught me an important lesson about perseverance,” he reflected. “I worked harder, stayed focused and passed it the following year. From that point on, I became more determined to succeed.”
Outside the classroom, Mr Mkhwanazi was building an impressive sporting career. A karate practitioner since Grade 4, he has spent years honing his skills and pushing himself to compete at a high level. In 2017, at just 16 years old, he earned his black belt (Shodan) under Northern KwaZulu-Natal JKA Karate.
While balancing lectures, assignments and practical work, he continued competing for VUT and collecting medals on the national circuit. His achievements include a silver medal in Kumite at the 2024 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Karate Championships, gold in Kata and silver in Kumite at the Midrand Championships, as well as gold and silver medals at the Fourways Championships in 2025.
One of the highlights of his sporting journey was being shortlisted for the provisional national team following his performance at the USSA Karate Championships in Pietermaritzburg, bringing him a step closer to representing South Africa internationally.
For Mr Mkhwanazi, however, karate is about far more than medals.
“The biggest lesson karate has taught me is how to remain calm under pressure,” he said. “University can be demanding, but martial arts give you the mental strength to stay focused, think strategically and manage your time effectively.”
He believes the values embedded in martial arts played a direct role in his academic success, helping him maintain balance during some of the most challenging periods of his studies.
Mr Mkhwanazi is quick to acknowledge the people who supported him throughout his journey. He expressed gratitude to his family, his partner, Sensei Brenden Tsita and Mr Stanley Shabalala from the VUT Sports Department for encouraging him to pursue both his academic and sporting ambitions.
Now armed with a qualification in Environmental Science, Mr Mkhwanazi is looking ahead to a career in environmental management. As he celebrates this important milestone, he hopes his story will inspire other students, particularly student-athletes, to remain committed to their goals.
“Success comes from consistency and discipline,” he said. “If you manage your time well and stay committed, it is possible to excel both academically and in sport.”
As VUT’s newest graduates prepare for the next chapter of their lives, Mr Mkhwanazi’s journey serves as a reminder that setbacks do not determine the future. With perseverance, discipline and the support of others, challenges can become stepping stones to success.