“Nancy Ayuk completed her Master of Management in Business Administration at VUT after beginning her journey at the University on a basketball bursary.”
22 September 2026 | Story by:: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
When Mrs Nancy Elizabeth Ticharwa Ayuk arrived at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) from Zimbabwe, she came with a basketball bursary and a dream of obtaining a university education.
Years later, that opportunity has evolved into a story of academic excellence, perseverance and personal growth.
Mrs Ayuk was recognised at the 2026 Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards after completing her Master of Management in Business Administration in the Faculty of Management Sciences. Her achievement earned her recognition among VUT’s top-performing postgraduate students, together with a bursary valued at R39,976 to support her continued academic journey.
“I am originally from Zimbabwe and came to VUT on a basketball bursary, which gave me the opportunity to begin my academic journey at the university,” she said.
“For me, this journey has been a combination of sport, academics, perseverance and personal growth, and I am grateful for how far it has brought me.”
Although sport opened the door, it was her interest in leadership, people and organisational development that helped shape her academic path. She chose to pursue Business Administration because of her desire to better understand how organisations support, motivate and develop employees.
That passion became the foundation of her postgraduate studies and ultimately contributed to her academic success.
What made the recognition particularly special was that it came as a surprise.
“I genuinely thought that once I graduated, that chapter was over. I was not expecting to still be recognised afterwards,” she said.
“Finding out that my academic performance had been noticed and celebrated in this way was incredibly uplifting and humbling.”
Like many postgraduate students, Mrs Ayuk faced challenges along the way. Balancing academic responsibilities with family commitments while conducting research required discipline, patience and careful time management.
“There were moments when the journey felt demanding, but I learned to remain disciplined, manage my time carefully and keep going even when things did not happen as quickly or as easily as I had hoped.”
She credits Associate Professor Nobukhosi Dlodlo for playing an important role in her academic development by encouraging her to push beyond her own expectations. She also acknowledges the unwavering support of her family and friends throughout her studies.
Being recognised during VUT’s milestone 60th anniversary year added even greater meaning to the achievement.
“It is such an honour to be recognised during VUT’s 60th anniversary year,” she said.
Despite the recognition, Mrs Ayuk believes her journey is only beginning. She plans to pursue a PhD in Business Administration, with a particular interest in leadership, human resource management and organisational development.
Her advice to students is simple:
“It does not matter how long the journey takes; if something is meant for you, it will happen.”
“Remain consistent, keep working towards your goals and, most importantly, put God first in everything you do.”
From a basketball court in Zimbabwe to academic recognition at VUT, Mrs Ayuk’s story demonstrates how opportunity, when matched with determination and hard work, can lead to achievements far beyond what was first imagined.