“VUT Tender Officer Mrs Lebohang Monne graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Management after successfully balancing work, family responsibilities and her studies.”
15 October 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
Metsotso e 4 nako ya go bala.
When Mrs Lebohang Monne walked across the graduation stage at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) on 16 September 2026, she was celebrating more than the completion of an Advanced Diploma in Management. She was honouring a journey shaped by determination, faith and the enduring support of her late husband, whose encouragement remained a source of strength throughout her studies.
A Tender Officer in VUT’s Supply Chain Management Department, Mrs Monne successfully balanced the demands of being a full-time employee, wife, mother, sister and friend while pursuing her qualification.
The journey was not without challenges.
“Being a student while also being a wife, a mother, a sister and a friend has not always been easy,” said Mrs Monne. “There were many days when I felt overwhelmed because I had so many responsibilities competing for my time and attention.”
Like many working professionals who return to their studies, she often had to juggle assignments, tests and examinations while meeting responsibilities at work and at home.
“There were times when I had to study while feeling exhausted after taking care of my family and handling responsibilities at home. Sometimes I struggled to find enough time to sit down and concentrate,” she said.
Despite the pressures, Mrs Monne refused to give up on her dream. Through careful planning, discipline and perseverance, she remained focused on achieving a goal that was both personal and professional.
For her, graduation represented much more than earning another qualification.
“This achievement is deeply meaningful to me as it represents perseverance, growth, resilience and the fulfilment of a personal and professional goal,” she said. “It reminds me that with dedication, discipline and faith, challenges can be overcome.”
Among those who inspired her journey was her late husband, a VUT employee and PhD student in Chemistry. Although he is no longer with her, Mrs Monne said his belief in her abilities and his encouragement remained an important source of motivation throughout her studies.
His memory became one of the driving forces that inspired her to persevere during difficult moments and continue pursuing her academic ambitions.
Mrs Monne also credits her faith for carrying her through the journey and expressed gratitude to her parents, family, children, friends and colleagues who supported her along the way.
“I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to continue, even when the journey felt difficult,” she said.
Being both a VUT employee and a student gave Mrs Monne a unique perspective on the institution. Experiencing the University from both sides allowed her to appreciate its role in creating opportunities for personal, academic and professional growth.
“Being both a staff member and a student gave me a unique perspective of VUT. This experience deepened my appreciation for the institution, its people and its commitment to creating opportunities for personal, academic and professional development,” she said.
While proud of what she has achieved, Mrs Monne views graduation not as an endpoint but as the foundation for future growth. She hopes to use the knowledge and skills gained through her studies to strengthen her contribution within Supply Chain Management and support the University’s continued pursuit of excellence.
Her story is a reminder that behind every graduation gown is a journey that often goes unseen, filled with sacrifices, sleepless nights and moments of self-doubt. It is also a reminder that the encouragement of loved ones can continue to inspire long after they are gone.
As VUT celebrates its 60th Diamond Jubilee year, Mrs Monne’s achievement stands as a testament to resilience, lifelong learning and the power of pursuing one’s goals despite life’s challenges.
For Mrs Monne, crossing the graduation stage was not only a personal victory. It was the fulfilment of a dream shared with those who believed in her, especially the husband whose support continues to inspire her journey.