“Charmaine Funani’s Cum Laude triumph inspires women in STEM, graduating with a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from VUT.”
26 September 2025 | Story By: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
2 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s Spring 2025 graduation season has been marked by pride and inspiration. On 16 September, the Faculty of Engineering celebrated one of its brightest moments as Ms Charmaine Kgomotso Funani graduated Cum Laude with a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering. Her dissertation, “Struvite recovery from anaerobically digested waste activated sludge,” stands as both a significant academic contribution and a testament to her perseverance.
For Ms Funani, the decision to pursue her Master’s degree came after recognising that routine work in industry, while stable, was not fulfilling. “I realised I don’t like routine. The more I got accustomed to it, the more my mind grew hungry for education. In a simple sense, I get bored easily.” That hunger for knowledge led her back into academia, where she found both challenge and inspiration.
As a woman in STEM, she is acutely aware of the stereotypes that have discouraged women from pursuing careers in engineering and science. “Women were sidelined and restricted to traditional careers such as teaching and nursing for the longest time. There has always been this stereotype that women cannot occupy such roles, that they aren’t sharp thinkers or innovative because emotions supposedly rule them. But this shows that women are intelligent and more than capable.”
Her success shines as a beacon for young women and girls aspiring to follow similar paths. Her advice is simple yet profound: “If you want it, go get it. Opportunities are endless, and people are waiting for you to seize them.”
Graduating Cum Laude was not without sacrifice. “Tears were there. You will get hurt. Your intellectual capabilities will be tested. But with the right support, I could make it.” She credits her supervisors, Dr Benton Otieno, Professor John Kabuba Tshilenge, and Professor Peter Osifo, for their discipline and constructive criticism. “They were strict, and sometimes it hurt, but I know they only tried to build me. Ultimately, you must show that you want it; no one will push you if you don’t.”
Her personal and spiritual journey has also shaped her academic path. After completing her BTech in Chemical Engineering, she paused her studies to focus on spiritual growth. “Till today, my spiritual journey still takes a toll on me, but I’ve learnt to balance.” That balance gave her strength and clarity to succeed.
With her Master’s degree, Ms Funani embodies resilience, courage and academic excellence. Her story is a powerful reminder that women in STEM can break barriers and rise to the highest levels of achievement, proving that ceilings are made to be shattered.