“VUT student Tshepo Mkhwanazi will represent Africa at IMEX Frankfurt 2026 after winning the International University Challenge at Meetings Africa.”
24 March 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) continues to affirm its growing global stature as one of its own, Mr Tshepo Mkhwanazi, prepares to represent the African continent at the prestigious IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum in Frankfurt, Germany, in May 2026.
Mr Mkhwanazi secured this international opportunity following an outstanding performance at Meetings Africa 2026, held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 23 to 24 February. The forum, organised by the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) in partnership with the Tourism Educators of South Africa (TESA), brings together top students to cultivate leadership within the global business events and tourism industry.
A third year Ecotourism Management student and President of the VUT Ecotourism Society, Mr Mkhwanazi distinguished himself in the highly competitive International University Challenge. Participants were required to develop innovative event concepts that integrate artificial intelligence. His concept, The Living Event Lab, presents a dynamic model of event management where experiences adapt in real time, guided by attendee engagement, energy levels, and sustainability performance.
“At its core, the concept is about making events more human centred, more responsive, and more responsible,” Mr Mkhwanazi explained, noting that the idea challenges conventional event models by allowing them to evolve in real time.
His forward-thinking approach secured him a place among the top finalists, earning him the honour of advancing to the global finals at IMEX Frankfurt 2026. There, he will compete against leading students from across the world for the prestigious MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award.
Reflecting on his selection, Mr Mkhwanazi described the moment as both humbling and empowering. “At first, I felt proud, but that quickly turned into a deep sense of responsibility. Representing Africa on a global stage means carrying the ideas and perspectives of a much larger community,” he said.
Driven by a passion for sustainability, innovation, and people centred experiences, Mr Mkhwanazi views tourism and events as powerful platforms for transformation. “This industry is not just about hosting events, it is about creating experiences that influence how people think, feel, and engage with the world,” he added.
He believes his participation will help bridge the gap between global innovation and local application. By engaging with international leaders and emerging trends, he aims to bring back insights that can be adapted to the African context, particularly in sustainability, technology integration, and enhanced attendee experiences.
Mr Mkhwanazi also credits VUT for laying the foundation for his success. He highlighted the University’s emphasis on academic excellence, leadership development, and critical thinking as central to his readiness for global opportunities.
Looking ahead, he aspires to build a career in sustainable and innovative event management, with a focus on integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into event design. He also encourages fellow students to pursue opportunities beyond perceived limits. “Do not limit yourself. The spaces you think are out of reach are often the ones you are meant to step into,” he advised.
Mr Mkhwanazi’s achievement reflects both individual excellence and the University’s commitment to developing graduates who are globally competitive and industry ready. As he prepares to take to the international stage, he carries with him not only his ambition, but the promise of a continent.