“VUT lecturer and researcher Ms Phindile Mashinini reflects on her academic journey after receiving recognition at the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards held at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall on 18 September 2026.”
22 September 2026 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture: Supplied
5 minutes read time.
For Ms Phindile Mashinini, academic excellence is about more than outstanding results. It is about embracing continuous learning, overcoming challenges and using knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
This commitment recently earned the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) lecturer and researcher recognition at the inaugural Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards, held on 18 September 2026 as part of the University’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Ms Mashinini, a lecturer and researcher in Biotechnology, was recognised in the Postgraduate Diploma category in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for achieving an impressive 77.62% average in her Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, which she completed cum laude. She also received a bursary valued at R22,002.
Currently pursuing a PhD in Biotechnology at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Ms Mashinini views learning as a lifelong journey and sees professional development as an important part of becoming a better educator.
“Becoming a lecturer gave me a new perspective on education. I moved from being a student who was receiving knowledge to becoming an educator responsible for helping students understand, develop and discover their own potential,” she said.
Her decision to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education was driven by a desire to strengthen her teaching practice and better understand how students learn.
“Being knowledgeable in your subject is important, but being able to communicate that knowledge effectively, understand how students learn and continuously improve your teaching practice is equally important,” she explained.
For Ms Mashinini, receiving the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award represents the culmination of years of dedication, discipline and perseverance.
“Receiving the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award is a very special honour because it represents the recognition of a journey that required commitment, discipline and consistency,” she said.
Although she was unable to attend the awards ceremony, her achievement was celebrated on the day, with Ms Bonisiwe Bhiya, Lecturer in Natural Sciences, accepting the award on her behalf.
Being among the first recipients of the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards has made the recognition even more meaningful.
“Being among the first recipients of the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards makes it even more meaningful because it is part of a new tradition of celebrating academic excellence at VUT,” she said.
Balancing teaching, research, academic administration and her own studies has not been without challenges. However, she credits careful planning, discipline and perseverance for helping her remain focused.
“I have learned to prioritise, plan ahead and remain consistent even when the workload becomes demanding,” she said.
She also acknowledges the role played by her faith, colleagues and mentors in supporting her academic journey.
As a lecturer, Ms Mashinini believes educators have a responsibility that extends beyond delivering course content.
“When you teach students, you realise that you are not only responsible for delivering content; you are also part of their journey,” she said.
This belief continues to inspire her to improve herself academically and professionally so that she can better support and guide her students.
Being recognised during VUT’s 60th anniversary year has added further significance to her achievement.
“Sixty years represents a significant legacy of teaching, learning, research and transformation. To be recognised during such an important milestone makes this achievement even more meaningful to me,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ms Mashinini remains committed to developing herself as an academic, researcher and mentor. A key part of her vision is encouraging more young women and girls to pursue careers in science, research and higher education.
“One of my greatest aspirations is to encourage and mentor young women and girls to pursue their dreams, particularly in science, technology, research and academia,” she said.
“I want young girls to see that they can occupy spaces of knowledge, leadership and innovation.”
Through her teaching, research and mentorship, she hopes to contribute to the development of future scientists, academics and leaders who will create positive change in their communities.
Her advice to students pursuing academic success is rooted in her own experience.
“Academic excellence does not happen overnight. It requires discipline, consistency, sacrifice and the willingness to keep learning,” she said.
She encourages students to seek guidance, make use of available opportunities and remain resilient when faced with challenges.
“To the young girls especially, I want to say: do not limit your dreams. You can become a scientist, an academic, a researcher, a leader or whatever you aspire to be. Your dreams are valid, and you deserve to pursue them.”
As she continues her PhD journey, Ms Mashinini remains a firm believer that learning never ends.
“I am also still a student myself. As I pursue my PhD, I am reminded that learning is a lifelong journey. There is always another level to reach, another skill to develop and another person to inspire,” she said.
Her recognition at the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards is therefore more than an acknowledgement of academic achievement. It is recognition of a journey defined by discipline, faith, continuous learning and a commitment to empowering others.
As VUT celebrates 60 years of excellence, Ms Mashinini’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that true success extends beyond the classroom and is measured by the impact one has on the lives of others.
“Pursue excellence not only for the recognition that comes with it, but for the person you become and for the lives you can impact along the way,” she said.