“Thabisang Lekalakala earns a cum laude master’s in mechanical engineering at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), advancing vibration analysis for fault detection in systems.”
17 April 2026 | Story by: Teboho Goniwe | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
In the Desmond Tutu Great Hall at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), a moment of quiet triumph unfolded as Thabisang Sylvester Lekalakala walked across the stage. He was not only receiving a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, but doing so cum laude, a reflection of discipline, resilience, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education.
His research journey was rooted in precision and purpose. Focusing on the localisation of ball bearing outer race defects through vibration analysis, his work contributes to improving how faults are detected in mechanical systems. In an industry where failure can be costly, and sometimes catastrophic, his research speaks to reliability, efficiency, and smarter maintenance practices.
Yet, behind the technical language lies a deeply human story.
Originally from Mokopane in Limpopo and now based in Gauteng, Lekalakala’s path has been guided by a simple but powerful conviction. “I have always believed that education is the key to success, and that belief kept pushing me to continue from one level to the next,” he says.
That belief carried him from undergraduate studies through to postgraduate level, each step building not only knowledge, but character. The journey, however, was far from smooth. Postgraduate research demands more than intelligence. It asks for endurance.
There were moments of doubt. Long hours turned into fatigue, and fatigue into quiet uncertainty. At times, the weight of the work felt overwhelming. He stepped away when he needed to, gathered himself, and returned with renewed focus.
“There were times when I felt like quitting, but something kept telling me to finish, and that made all the difference,” he reflects.
Today, that persistence has translated into professional impact. Lekalakala is currently working as an engineer at Eskom, where he applies his academic training in a real-world environment. His journey stands as a clear reminder that education is not abstract. It opens doors, shapes careers, and creates opportunity.
“Education opens doors. My current role is a result of the qualifications I have worked towards, and I would encourage others to invest in their education,” he says.
No journey of this magnitude is travelled alone. He credits his academic supervisors for their guidance and acknowledges the steady support of his family, his wife and daughter, whose encouragement helped him navigate the demands of study and life.
As he reflects on this milestone, there is both pride and humility. The achievement is not just about a qualification but about overcoming moments that could have ended the journey.
Looking ahead, he is already setting his sights higher. A PhD lies on the horizon, another chapter in a story still being written.
In the rhythm of machines and the language of vibration, Thabisang Lekalakala has found his voice. And in doing so, he reminds us that excellence is rarely instant. It is built, patiently and persistently, until it can no longer be ignored.