“VUT’s Faculty of Management Sciences celebrated excellence in teaching, research, student success and community impact at its inaugural Dean’s Awards.”
04 September 2026 | Story by: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Peter Masela
5 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Faculty of Management Sciences has recognised academics and support staff for excellence in teaching, research, student development, community engagement and service at its inaugural Dean’s Awards.
Held on 29 August 2026 at the VUT Conference Centre under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Impact,” the ceremony brought together academics, support staff, university leadership and industry partners. The event was hosted in collaboration with postgraduate students in Public Relations.
For Professor Chengedzai Mafini, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, the awards reinforced the faculty’s commitment to excellence and the impact of its work.
“We will not apologise for attempting to be excellent in what we do,” he said, linking the theme to excellence as one of VUT’s institutional values.
For Professor Mafini, however, excellence is ultimately measured by the difference it makes.
“In a graduate who found their footing, there is impact. In a community that is better served, and in an article that has been published, there is a socioeconomic implication,” he said.
He also recognised colleagues whose work is often less visible, including support divisions and staff across the University who enable the faculty to fulfil its mandate.
“Your work is often invisible, precisely because it is done well. However, this Faculty is in your debt,” he said.
Professor Johannes Maseko, Head of the Department of Accountancy, said the awards were intended to recognise contributions that go beyond simply fulfilling the requirements of a position.
“The Dean’s Awards are about more than trophies, certificates or individual recognition,” he said. “They are about recognising the people who, through their day-to-day work, help define who we are as a Faculty of Management Sciences.”
Research excellence featured prominently among the awards. Professor Elizabeth Chinomona received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Researcher, while Dr Linda Ratau and Dr Roy Shamhuyenhanzva jointly received the Emerging Researcher Award. Dr Irvine Langton received the Best Research Publication Award, and Dr Yolandé Van Zyl received the Postgraduate Supervision Excellence Award.
Teaching and student development were also recognised. Dr Christine Janse van Rensburg and Dr Koleka Rangaza received the Innovative Teaching Award, Dr Gladys Mahache was recognised as the Student Success Champion, and Ms Bekezela Fundira received the Outstanding Early Career Lecturer Award.
The Industry Partnership and Community Engagement Award went to Dr Fathima Mahomed, Ms Onica Matsheke, Mr Peace Mabasa and Ms Mathapelo Moletsane.
Under the Special Dean’s Recognition Awards, the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Ms Selinah Mahlangu, Professor John Beneke and Mr Thoriso Mabale.
Together, the recipients reflected the breadth of work within the faculty, from research and postgraduate supervision to teaching excellence, student support, external partnerships and institutional service.
Guest speaker Ms Matsietsi Mekoa, Managing Director of Brima Logistics, broadened the conversation by reflecting on the lasting influence universities have on students and society.
“A university is more than its buildings. A university is more than its rankings, its libraries, its laboratories, or even the emblem on its wall. A university is a living conversation across generations,” she said.
As Women’s Month drew to a close, Ms Mekoa also highlighted the importance of representation, mentorship and inclusive academic environments for women in academia. She described lecturers as architects, gardeners and compasses who build intellectual foundations, nurture potential and help students find direction.
“They do not simply teach students what to think. They teach them how to think,” she said.
The focus of the awards aligns with VUT Strategy 2033+ priorities, particularly the strategic pillars of Quality Student Experience and Cutting-edge Research and Innovation, which emphasise excellence in teaching and learning, impactful research, and meaningful collaboration with industry and other stakeholders.
Dr Grace Kanakana-Katumba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, recognised the discipline, curiosity and persistence required to produce research and create new knowledge.
“Thank you for the discipline, for the search, for the curiosity, and the discipline and persistence to want to know better, to want to create new knowledge in your discipline,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of colleagues who go beyond their formal responsibilities to support students and staff, as well as collaboration between academia, industry, government and communities.
“Together, we can make a meaningful impact,” she said.
The inaugural Dean’s Awards formed part of VUT’s 60th anniversary celebrations in 2026, providing an opportunity to recognise individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen the University’s academic excellence, research profile and societal impact.
Reflecting on the milestone, Professor Mafini said the University’s longevity ultimately rests on its people.
“Institutions do not reach such milestones through buildings or budgets. They reach them through people who choose, year after year, to do the work well,” he said.
Closing the ceremony, Dr Manti Motale, Acting Head of the Department of Marketing, Retail Business and Sport Management, acknowledged those who worked behind the scenes to deliver the event, particularly the Public Relations Management lecturers and postgraduate students who collaborated with the Faculty.
The inaugural Dean’s Awards provided the faculty with a platform to recognise achievement across its academic and support functions, while highlighting the people whose work contributes to student success, research excellence, industry engagement and community impact at VUT.