“Dr Grace Kanakana-Katumba, VUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, shares insights on women in leadership, resilience, courage and compassionate leadership.”
12 August 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
5 minutes read time.
Teaching and Learning DVC – Dr Grace Kanakana-Katumba
As the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) celebrates Women’s Month, the University is shining a spotlight on women who continue to lead with purpose, inspire others and contribute meaningfully to the transformation of higher education.
Among these women is Dr Grace Kanakana-Katumba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at VUT, whose leadership journey is rooted in courage, humility, perseverance and a deep commitment to serving others.
For Dr Kanakana-Katumba, the foundations of her leadership were laid at an early age through the influence of a remarkable woman who shaped her understanding of what it means to lead. “A remarkable woman raised me,” she reflects, recalling the wisdom, strength, patience and humility she witnessed growing up. From an early age, she admired these qualities and made a personal commitment to embody them in her own life. “If I could have even half of her wisdom, passion and humility, I would succeed,” she recalls telling herself.
That early influence continues to shape her leadership philosophy today. For Dr Kanakana-Katumba, leadership is not simply about occupying a position of authority. It is about having the courage to challenge established practices, question ideas and make decisions that contribute to meaningful change, while maintaining respect for the people around her.
One of the greatest challenges she has encountered as a woman in leadership is navigating expectations about how women should behave in positions of authority. “People often don’t expect a woman to question established practices or assert herself confidently,” she says.
Rather than allowing such expectations to define her leadership, Dr Kanakana-Katumba has embraced the importance of challenging ideas and decisions, when necessary, while ensuring that relationships remain intact.
For her, effective leadership requires a balance between firmness and compassion. “It is important to challenge ideas and decisions in a way that achieves the desired outcome while preserving relationships,” she explains.
Her leadership philosophy is therefore anchored in remaining firm on matters of principle while treating people with compassion and respect. “In other words, I strive to be hard in the role and soft on people,” she says.
This approach is reflected in her work as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, where she has played an important role in shaping and strengthening the portfolio and advancing initiatives designed to enhance the quality of teaching and learning at VUT.
Reflecting on her leadership journey, Dr Kanakana-Katumba identifies her contribution to the Teaching and Learning portfolio as one of her proudest achievements. “My proudest achievement has been helping to shape the Teaching and Learning portfolio,” she says.
While acknowledging that there is still significant work ahead, she believes that the collective efforts of the University community are contributing to improvements in the quality of teaching and learning.
Her leadership journey has also coincided with a significant period in VUT’s history, as the University marks its 60th anniversary.
For Dr Kanakana-Katumba, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on VUT’s growth while celebrating initiatives that demonstrate the University’s commitment to innovation, science, technology and the development of graduates equipped for the future.
Among the milestones she highlights are VUT’s hosting of the National Science Month Launch and the opening of facilities that support the growth of technology and computer sciences.
She also points to initiatives in Engineering, Operations Management and Mechanical Engineering as examples of the University’s continued commitment to strengthening its academic offerings and producing graduates prepared to contribute meaningfully to industry and society. “These initiatives align with the strategy of producing entrepreneurial graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills,” she says.
However, Dr Kanakana-Katumba is quick to emphasise that institutional achievements are never the result of the efforts of any single individual.
She acknowledges the dedication of VUT’s staff and students, whose commitment and hard work contribute to the successful implementation of the University’s programmes and initiatives.
As VUT continues to navigate the evolving higher education landscape, she recognises that challenges will remain. Yet, she views them not simply as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and personal development. “Those challenges should shape you into a stronger person and a better leader,” she says.
This message forms an important part of her advice to young women aspiring to leadership positions.
Dr Kanakana-Katumba encourages young women to understand that their journeys will not necessarily mirror the journeys of others. Rather than comparing themselves with those around them, she urges them to remain focused on their own purpose and aspirations. “Remember that your journey will be different from everybody else’s, and that is okay,” she says.
For those with ambitions and dreams, she believes determination must be accompanied by action. “If there is something you want to achieve, be willing to work hard, persevere and pursue it with determination,” she advises.
Her message is ultimately one of hope, faith and resilience. “Most importantly, never underestimate God. With God, all things are possible,” she says.
As VUT celebrates Women’s Month, Dr Kanakana-Katumba’s story serves as a reminder that women’s leadership cannot be confined to a single style. It can be courageous and compassionate, firm and respectful, ambitious and driven by service.
Her journey demonstrates that leadership is about more than titles and positions. It is about using one’s influence to improve institutions, empower others and create opportunities for those who follow.
As VUT marks six decades of Inspiring Thought and Shaping Talent, the University continues to celebrate women like Dr Kanakana-Katumba, whose leadership is helping to shape both its present and its future.
Her message to the next generation is clear: embrace your unique journey, remain committed to your purpose, work hard, persevere and lead with courage, humility and compassion.