“Thapelo Morena, a Postgraduate Diploma student in Industrial Engineering, is among the inaugural recipients of VUT’s Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards during the University’s milestone 60th anniversary year.”
22 September 2026 | Story by: Tayron Mhlongo | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
As a child growing up in Roossenekal, Limpopo, Mr Thapelo Adolph Morena was always curious about how things worked. Whether it was household appliances or everyday equipment, he often found himself taking things apart to understand the mechanics behind them.
That curiosity would eventually lead him to engineering and, years later, to recognition as one of the inaugural recipients of the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards.
On 18 September 2026, during VUT’s milestone 60th anniversary year, Mr Morena was recognised in the Advanced Diploma category in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology for his Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering. His achievement earned him a bursary valued at R27,166 and a place among the University’s top-performing students.
Born and raised in Roossenekal, Mr Morena attended Siyabonga Primary School and Mohlarekoma Secondary School, where he completed matric in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Raised by a mother who worked as a teacher, he credits her with laying the foundation for his success.
“She is the whole reason I am where I am today because of the principles she instilled in me and my siblings.”
His passion for engineering developed from an early fascination with problem-solving and understanding how machines worked.
“From a young age I have always been fascinated with how things work. I would take apart things to try and figure out their configuration and how they worked. I was always the one fixing broken appliances and equipment around the house.”
When he arrived at VUT, he discovered Industrial Engineering and immediately knew he had found his calling.
Receiving recognition at the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards was a proud moment for the aspiring engineer.
“It means a lot to me as it is proof that all the sleepless nights, hard work and dedication I put into my studies finally paid off in the most amazing way.”
For Mr Morena, the award is not only recognition of past achievements but motivation for the future.
“It inspires me to keep doing better, to want more for myself, to reach new heights and never stop growing.”
His academic journey was not without challenges. During his diploma studies, he experienced a period of demotivation and uncertainty that affected his performance.
Rather than allowing those setbacks to define him, he challenged himself to step outside his comfort zone, engage in campus activities and broaden his perspective.
“I saw that there was more to life than what I knew. I got outside my comfort zone, became involved in school programmes and that is when I started to see change.”
Mr Morena credits a strong support network for helping him overcome obstacles. In addition to his mother, he acknowledges the role of his teachers, friends, study partners and classmates who supported him throughout his academic journey.
He reserved special thanks for his siblings, Suzan and Lehlabile Morena.
“They are my biggest supporters financially, emotionally and academically, always making sure I am doing well, fed and happy at school.”
Being among the first recipients of the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards during VUT’s 60th anniversary year made the achievement even more significant.
“For me to be amongst the first to receive these awards at VUT is indeed a historic moment, one for the books. I am very thankful and happy to be part of this.”
Looking ahead, Mr Morena has ambitious goals. He hopes to complete a PhD in Industrial Engineering and pursue a career in academia, using his knowledge and experience to develop future engineers.
“I will not rest until I can put ‘Dr’ in front of my name. I want to get my PhD in Industrial Engineering and become a lecturer to give back to my university.”
His advice to fellow students is simple but powerful:
“You do not have to be great in order to start chasing your dream. But you have to start in order to be great.”
From a young boy fixing broken appliances in Roossenekal to an award-winning Industrial Engineering student, Mr Morena’s story is a reminder that determination, curiosity and a willingness to grow can open doors to extraordinary opportunities. While the Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Award marks an important milestone, he sees it as only the beginning of a journey dedicated to learning, innovation and giving back.