“Matshidiso Mahamotsa, an Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting student from Embalenhle, was recognised among VUT’s top achievers at the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards.“
23 September 2026 | Story by: Tayron Mhlongo | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
Growing up in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga, Matshidiso Ingrid Ms Mahamotsa understood that success would require determination, resilience and hard work. Today, that commitment to excellence has earned her a place among the Vaal University of Technology’s top-performing students recognised at the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards.
Ms Ms Mahamotsa was recognised in the Advanced Diploma category in the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) for her outstanding performance in Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, achieving an impressive 82.13% average. Her recognition also included a bursary valued at R70 681.00.
For Ms Mahamotsa, the accolade represents more than academic achievement. It reflects years of perseverance, self-belief and commitment to her goals.
Her journey into accounting was not carefully planned, but it soon became a passion.
“What inspired me to choose this field was my passion for numbers and understanding how the finance sector works,” she said.
“When I got to university, I wanted a CA stream and saw that I was accepted for the Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting. I was a bit sceptical because I had no understanding of what a cost and management accountant does, but I was open to the challenge.”
What began as uncertainty gradually developed into a clear sense of purpose, ultimately leading to academic distinction.
The Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards, launched in 2026 as part of VUT’s 60th anniversary celebrations, recognise students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership and a commitment to excellence. Ms Mahamotsa was among a select group of students honoured during the awards programme.
Receiving the recognition was a deeply meaningful achievement.
“Receiving the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award in the Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting means a lot to me and has opened my eyes and mind to realising that hard work and determination pay off,” she said.
Like many successful students, her journey was not without challenges. One difficult period nearly shook her confidence.
“Almost failing a module at diploma level was the biggest challenge because it made me start doubting my capabilities,” she admitted.
However, she found motivation in remembering how far she had come and what she was working towards.
“One thing that helped me overcome it was the reminder: ‘You see where you come from, do you want to go back there?'”
That question became a source of motivation, encouraging her to persevere through difficult moments and remain focused on her future.
Ms Mahamotsa credits her success to both faith and family support.
“First and foremost, God has helped me through this journey,” she said.
She also paid tribute to her late father and her mother, who played a pivotal role in her life.
“As well as the teachings of my late father, and my mother, who took on the role of being a father in my life and always uplifted me.”
Her achievement is particularly meaningful because it fulfils a goal she set for herself long before receiving the award.
“This truly is a dream come true because I remember last year at my graduation telling myself: ‘Next year, my name will be on the list of top achievers,'” she recalled.
That determination became a reality through discipline, focus and consistent effort.
Reflecting on her journey, Ms Mahamotsa encouraged fellow students to remain resilient despite setbacks and negativity.
“Use the loud noises of negativity as your motivation. Never ever doubt yourself, because God didn’t place you where He knows you’ll fail,” she said.
“Always remember who you are and what you want to become.”
As VUT celebrates 60 years of academic excellence, innovation and service to society, stories such as Ms Mahamotsa’s continue to demonstrate the transformative power of higher education.
Her journey from Embalenhle to becoming one of VUT’s top achievers serves as an inspiration to current and future students. It is a reminder that success is not determined by where one starts in life, but by the determination to pursue one’s goals despite challenges.
Now preparing for a future in the finance sector, Ms Mahamotsa carries with her not only an academic qualification, but also the confidence that comes from overcoming adversity and achieving excellence.
Her recognition among VUT’s top achievers reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding academic excellence. As VUT marks its 60th anniversary, her story stands as a testament to perseverance, faith and the belief that hard work can transform ambition into achievement.