“A 60-year-old Vaal University of Technology staff member graduates after 35 years of service, inspiring lifelong learning, resilience, and innovation.”
29 April 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Keitumetsi Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
At 60 years old, when many are preparing to slow down, Mr Kwena Moabelo, a Senior Library Assistant: Copyright and Digitisation at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), is just getting started.
Graduating with the Advanced Diploma in Logistics from VUT on 24 April 2026 after an extraordinary 35 years of service, Mr Moabelo’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives, not only his own, but those of future generations.
Standing proudly among graduates’ decades younger than him, Mr Moabelo described this moment as more than just an academic achievement. “I carry with me not only a qualification, but a responsibility,” he said. “A responsibility to contribute meaningfully to logistics and supply chain, to keep learning, and to strive for excellence.”
For Mr Moabelo, returning to the classroom was never about personal gain alone. It was a deliberate response to the challenges facing South Africa’s economy and a desire to be part of the solution. “What inspired me at this stage,” he explained, “was the need to innovate and contribute. We are living in a time where we must create opportunities, not wait for them.”
Already involved in developing a teaching-focused business, Mr Moabelo is passionate about empowering others, especially young people, to think independently, innovate, and take ownership of their ideas. “I encourage young people not to rely on others for knowledge,” he said. “They must write their own stories, create their own innovations, and pursue success with confidence.”
Juggling work, studies, and personal commitments is never easy, yet Mr Moabelo embraced the challenge with determination. His journey was strengthened by years of experience and by a deep commitment to growth and community impact. “This course developed me in many ways,” he reflected. “It expanded my understanding of logistics and supply chain, how transport, procurement, and systems all connect. It has broadened my career and my thinking.”
Beyond academics, Mr Moabelo also contributed to preserving knowledge within the institution, supporting efforts to transition research and academic work into digital formats, ensuring that valuable information is never lost.
Mr Moabelo’s message to students and colleagues is clear: discipline, continuous learning, and integrity are key to success. “This journey is not easy,” he said. “But it is one of growth. You must be disciplined, develop strong listening skills, and truly understand your field.”
He also urged students to engage responsibly with emerging technologies. “We are living in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” he noted. “But we must use it wisely. It cannot replace our thinking; we must still learn, analyse, and create.”
As he celebrated this milestone, Mr Moabelo expressed deep gratitude to his lecturers, colleagues, family, and friends. “Their support, patience, and belief in me carried me through even the most challenging times,” he said.
His greatest legacy lies in the example he sets that learning has no age limit and that growth is a lifelong journey.
For Moabelo, this graduation is not the end; it is the beginning of a new chapter defined by impact, mentorship, and continued innovation. “This is the future,” he said with conviction. “And I am ready to be part of it.”
His story stands as a powerful reminder to the entire VUT community: it is never too late to rise, to learn, and to lead.