“Nombulelo Magele received the Academic Excellence Award, Vice-Chancellor’s Award and a bursary after excelling in Food Service Management at VUT”
22 September 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
For Ms Nombulelo Magele, graduating cum laude was the goal she had worked towards for years. After crossing the graduation stage, she believed she had reached the milestone she had set for herself and was content with what she had achieved.
Then came an email.
At first, she struggled to believe what she was reading.
“I was in utter disbelief to the point where I had to double-check with Prof Oosthuizen from our department. I only thought I was going to receive a certificate, but my expectations were far exceeded!”
What Ms Magele expected to be a simple recognition turned into one of the biggest highlights of her academic journey.
At the inaugural Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards, held during VUT’s milestone 60th anniversary year, she received the Academic Excellence Award for the highest achievement in the Advanced Diploma in Food Service Management. She was also named the top student in the Faculty of Humanities, earning the Vice-Chancellor’s Award and a bursary valued at R32,538 after achieving an impressive 81.33% average.
“This is huge and I’m eternally grateful,” she said.
Born and raised in the Vaal, Ms Magele grew up in a family of seven. Her decision to study at VUT was influenced by the success stories of graduates she encountered in her community.
“I’m surrounded by a community of VUT alumni who are phenomenal in their fields of expertise. They influenced me to choose VUT for my studies.”
She was particularly inspired by the University’s reputation for producing graduates who make meaningful contributions to the food service and hospitality industry both in South Africa and abroad.
While her achievements may seem effortless on paper, the journey was not without obstacles. Like many students, she faced financial and personal challenges that sometimes affected her studies. What made the difference, she says, was the support she received from those around her.
“There were quite a few challenges I faced during my studies. Financial constraints and personal issues affected how I showed up in my lectures, but I received tremendous support from the social services department, my lecturers, family and friends.”
Among those who left a lasting impression was Professor Delia Oosthuizen, whose encouragement motivated her to aim higher and believe in her abilities.
“There is something great about someone who has achieved so much recognising something in you. That pushed me to do well.”
Receiving the awards has strengthened Ms Magele’s desire to continue striving for excellence. Currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, she hopes to build a career in academia and eventually become a lecturer.
“I want to remain in academia and further my studies. I want to become a lecturer and use my qualification as a tool to inspire upcoming industry leaders.”
She has already taken a step in that direction through her role as a Supplemental Instruction Leader, where she assists first-year Food Service Management students and helps them navigate university life.
Receiving recognition during VUT’s 60th anniversary year made the moment even more meaningful.
“It means a great deal. I get the privilege to be in the history books of the university!”
Looking back, Ms Magele never expected that an email would lead to one of the proudest moments of her academic career. Yet her story is a reminder that hard work often opens doors we never knew existed.
What began as a goal to graduate cum laude became something much bigger: recognition as one of VUT’s top students and an opportunity to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, no matter the challenges they face.