“Mother and entrepreneur Ms Lungile Sgauque was recognised among the top two highest-performing graduates at the VUT 60th graduation ceremony, reflecting academic excellence and resilience.”
23 April 2026 | Story by: Thembelihle Masimula | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
2 minutes read time.
On 23 April 2026, Ms Lungile Sgauque, originally from Nkomazi in Mpumalanga and now based in Vereeniging, graduated cum laude with an Advanced Diploma in Management under the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). She emerged as one of the top-performing students within the Faculty of Management Sciences and ranked among the top two highest-performing graduates across the University during the 60th graduation celebrations.
Her achievement reflects more than academic performance. It is a story of discipline carried through competing demands. Throughout her studies, Ms Sgauque balanced motherhood with running a hairdressing business, navigating each responsibility with intent and consistency.
Reflecting on the moment, she described the recognition as the culmination of sustained effort. “Finally, my hard work has been recognised. There were many late nights, and it wasn’t easy trying to balance everything,” she said. “I had to manage being a mother, studying, and running a business at the same time.”
Her academic approach was deliberate and methodical. She explained that analysing assessment patterns early in the semester allowed her to anticipate expectations and remain prepared. “I always analyse the first test that lecturers give us. It helps me understand what is required and how they set questions so that I can stay ahead,” she said.
The journey was not without difficulty. Transitioning to advanced-level coursework, particularly in modules previously encountered at diploma level, required renewed focus. “My results dropped at some point, and that was demotivating, but I had to pick myself up and continue,” she said.
Behind her success was a network of support. She credits her family, especially her mother, and acknowledges her partner for providing both financial assistance and transport throughout her studies. This support created the conditions for her to remain focused and complete her qualification.
Following her graduation, Ms Sgauque is seeking employment while preparing to pursue postgraduate studies when circumstances allow.
As the University marks its 60th milestone, her journey speaks to a broader truth. For many students, success is not achieved in isolation. It is shaped in the quiet negotiation between ambition and responsibility, where resilience becomes