{"id":38139,"date":"2026-06-10T08:41:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T08:41:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=38139"},"modified":"2026-06-10T10:47:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T10:47:09","slug":"from-sharpeville-to-the-global-stage-vuts-prof-teboho-pitso-nominated-for-leadership-prize","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/from-sharpeville-to-the-global-stage-vuts-prof-teboho-pitso-nominated-for-leadership-prize\/","title":{"rendered":"From Sharpeville to the global stage: VUT’s Prof Teboho Pitso nominated for leadership prize"},"content":{"rendered":"

“VUT\u2019s Prof Teboho Pitso has been nominated for the 2026 T\u00e4llberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize, recognising his contributions to research innovation, entrepreneurship, community development, and African-centred scholarship.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 June 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Prof
Prof Teboho Pitso, Manager of the Centre for Research Capacity Development (CRCD)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is celebrating the international recognition of Prof Teboho Pitso, Manager of the Centre for Research Capacity Development (CRCD), following his nomination for the 2026 T\u00e4llberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize. The prestigious award honours leaders whose courage, creativity, integrity and vision contribute meaningfully to society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Prof Pitso, the nomination was both unexpected and deeply personal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I was excited beyond measure. This came completely out of the blue,” said Prof Pitso. “As someone who grew up in Sharpeville, I immediately thanked my genetic ancestors and the Supreme Being for such a global recognition. For me, this nomination recognises years of dedicated work at VUT, my commitment to research, and my contribution towards the ideals of Africa’s Agenda 2063.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His journey is one of resilience, determination and purpose. Born in the rural Orange Free State to parents who could neither read nor write, Prof Pitso’s story is rooted in sacrifice and hope. His parents relocated to the then Transvaal in search of better opportunities for their children, determined that they would not be confined by the limitations imposed by apartheid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Personally, I am thrilled because I am a failed apartheid project,” reflected Prof Pitso. “I managed to defy the odds that apartheid stacked against my progress, particularly in mathematics, physics and research. Coming from humble beginnings and reaching this point is both humbling and inspiring.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, Prof Pitso has built a reputation as an innovative scholar, researcher and thought leader. His doctoral research focused on fostering creativity in higher education, and his scholarly contributions have led to the development of groundbreaking concepts and methodologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among his innovations is Telagogy, a transformative educational approach that reimagines learning and teaching in higher education. One of his scholarly articles on Telagogy was featured on the former United States Department of Education website. He also developed the Vukuzakhe Research Method, a new mixed-method research approach. In addition, he introduced a leadership framework inspired by the life and legacy of Dr Molefi Oliphant, whose biography he authored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof Pitso believes these innovations, together with his sustained commitment to research and community development, contributed to his nomination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, he leads the newly established CRCD within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation (RICI), under the leadership of Professor Simphiwe Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commercialisation and Internationalisation (RICI). The centre focuses on strengthening research excellence, developing emerging researchers, and generating knowledge that responds to societal needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond academia, Prof Pitso remains deeply committed to community development. He supervises postgraduate students and mentors aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs. He works closely with communities in Limpopo and Sharpeville on projects aimed at preserving heritage, generating knowledge, and addressing social challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His work is guided by a belief that higher education should be transformative and socially responsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“One of the critical elements of innovation is creative problem-solving,” explained Prof Pitso. “Universities should not only prepare students for the world of work but also equip them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. Community-driven learning should replace socially empty learning.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This philosophy has informed several impactful initiatives throughout his career. Under his leadership, the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship facilitated programmes supported by organisations such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Anglo American, Murray & Roberts and African Bank. These initiatives created opportunities for entrepreneurship development and matric upgrading, empowering young people and communities through education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, he initiated a community-based research project in mining-affected villages in Limpopo. Insights from this work later informed the development of the Vukuzakhe Research Method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Prof Pitso, innovation has always been about people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My purpose has always been to help students become community leaders and to equip them with the tools and technologies needed to solve practical problems in their own environments,” emphasised Prof Pitso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His leadership philosophy is grounded in social justice, integrity, empathy and service to others. He credits much of his inspiration to mentors and role models who shaped his journey, including Dr Phakisa Mokhesi, Professor Shirley Booth, Professor Otieno Lumumba, Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traor\u00e9, and his grandparents, Mr Molefi Ramatsebe and Mrs Matshidiso Ramatsebe, who played a significant role in raising him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, Prof Pitso’s vision extends beyond the University. He is currently working to establish the Alkebulan Telagogy Academy. The initiative seeks to promote African-centred scholarship, preserve indigenous knowledge systems, and expand access to literature on African worldviews, STEM disciplines and etymological learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The global society needs to know Africa’s story,” noted Prof Pitso. “The academy will contribute towards ensuring that African perspectives and knowledge systems are visible and accessible to future generations.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the nomination is a personal achievement, Prof Pitso views it as a collective victory for VUT and the broader academic community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It is an honour to know that scholars somewhere in the world have recognised and valued my work,” acknowledged Prof Pitso. “It is also an honour for VUT and the broader South African higher education sector. I am grateful to Professor Khehla Ndlovu, VUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, for steering the institution and to Prof Simphiwe Nelana for recognising my potential and allowing it to flourish.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As VUT celebrates its 60th anniversary and advances its Strategy 2033+ vision, Prof Pitso’s nomination serves as a powerful reminder that globally recognised leadership can emerge from local communities, shaped by resilience, purpose and an unwavering commitment to societal advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a scholar whose journey began in Sharpeville and has now earned international recognition, the nomination represents more than a personal achievement. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, research and community service in shaping a better future for South Africa, the continent and the world.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“VUT\u2019s Prof Teboho Pitso has been nominated for the 2026 T\u00e4llberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize, recognising his contributions to research innovation, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":38151,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news-vaal-university-of-technology"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t