“At 47, Masego Chriselda Balepile has earned her Advanced Diploma in Safety Management from VUT, proving that it is never too late to pursue your dreams.”
16 September 2026 | Story by: Shaun Michael Ndou | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
For Ms Masego, graduating at the age of 47 is far more than an academic achievement. It is the culmination of years of sacrifice, determination and an unwavering belief that it is never too late to pursue a dream.
Ms Balepile received her Advanced Diploma in Safety Management during the Vaal University of Technology’s Spring Graduation ceremonies on 14 September 2026. The achievement marked the culmination of a challenging yet rewarding journey, during which she balanced work responsibilities, family commitments and financial pressures while remaining steadfast in her pursuit of higher education and a career in occupational health and safety.
Her passion for the field can be traced back to her childhood. Inspired by her father, who worked as a laboratory analyst and safety representative, Ms Balepile developed an early appreciation for workplace safety and the importance of protecting people from occupational hazards.
When an opportunity arose at her workplace to serve as a safety representative, she embraced it wholeheartedly. Recognising the value of formal qualifications, she included her studies in her Individual Development Plan and secured partial funding to pursue a qualification in Safety Management.
In 2016, she enrolled for a Diploma in Safety Management at VUT. The journey required commitment and sacrifice. For years, she travelled from Pretoria to Vanderbijlpark after work to attend classes before eventually moving into student accommodation closer to campus to focus on her studies.
Despite facing logistical and financial challenges along the way, Ms Balepile refused to give up. With support from dedicated lecturers, including Ms Casteline, and a determination to succeed, she completed both her diploma and, ultimately, her Advanced Diploma.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms Balepile believes that success begins long before anyone else recognises it.
“What you want to become in life does not start with someone else, it starts with the inner person inside you,” she said.
“When we go to Psalm 139, it shows us everything is possible because the Lord knew you before you were born. If you do not pursue what you want, you will lose who you are meant to be.”
Her message is particularly relevant to those who may feel discouraged by age, financial circumstances or setbacks. For Ms Balepile, education remains one of the most powerful tools for changing a person’s future.
She encouraged young people and working professionals not to allow temporary challenges or unemployment to prevent them from investing in themselves.
“We are facing a season of unemployment, but it is only a season that will pass,” she said.
“Without education or holding a certificate, you cannot move forward. Once you earn your qualification, no one can remove that NQF Level 7 or NQF Level 8 from your name. Always have a plan for your next move.”
For Ms Balepile, graduation is not the end of the journey. Armed with her qualification and years of practical experience, she hopes to establish her own safety facilitation and accredited training company, contributing to safer workplaces and helping others build meaningful careers in the field.
Her story serves as a reminder that success does not always follow a straight path. Sometimes it requires patience, resilience and the courage to keep moving forward despite obstacles. At 47, Masego Chriselda Ms Balepile has shown that faith, determination and lifelong learning can open doors to new possibilities and inspire others to pursue their own aspirations, no matter where they are in life