“VUT’s Faculty of Applied and Computer Science honoured outstanding Master’s and PhD students during its 2026 Outstanding Performance Research Awards, celebrating research excellence, innovation and meaningful societal impact.”
29 July 2026 | Story by: Tyron Mhlongo | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
Research that changes lives begins with ideas that are transformed into practical solutions. Celebrating this spirit of innovation, the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Faculty of Applied and Computer Science (FACS) recognised exceptional Master’s and PhD students at its Outstanding Performance Research Awards, honouring postgraduate researchers whose work advances knowledge and addresses real-world challenges.
Held on Friday, 24 July 2026, the ceremony brought together university leadership, academics, industry partners and postgraduate students to celebrate research excellence and reaffirm the University’s commitment to innovation, commercialisation and societal impact.
Welcoming guests, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Computer Science, Professor Solly Lebelo, encouraged students to view research as more than a requirement for obtaining a qualification. He challenged them to think beyond completing their dissertations and instead focus on how their research can be transformed into innovations that solve problems and improve lives. Professor Lebelo reminded students that the true value of research lies in its ability to create meaningful and lasting impact within communities.
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation (DVC RICI), Professor Speech Nelana, echoed this message by urging postgraduate students to become intentional researchers. Drawing on both personal experience and international examples, he challenged students to ask themselves what real-world problem their research seeks to solve and how it can contribute to society and the economy. He emphasised that research should not end as a thesis on a library shelf but should evolve into technologies, products and solutions that improve lives and strengthen industries.
Speaking on the purpose of the awards, FACS Chairperson Professor Tranos Zuva said the ceremony celebrates postgraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to producing high-quality research that contributes to knowledge, innovation and society. He encouraged students to publish in accredited journals, complete their studies on time and uphold academic integrity while continuing to strengthen VUT’s research reputation.
Adding further inspiration, guest speakers Dr Lonwabo Ngodwana and Ms Lerato Thabane encouraged students to embrace research as a journey built on collaboration, resilience and purpose. Dr Ngodwana highlighted the importance of nurturing professional networks and developing the soft skills needed to succeed beyond academia. At the same time, Ms Thabane reminded researchers to remain optimistic, ask difficult questions and protect their mental well-being throughout their academic journeys. Together, they reinforced the importance of producing research that not only advances knowledge but also responds to society’s evolving needs.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards, where outstanding Master’s and PhD students were recognised for their academic excellence, research output and commitment to advancing their respective fields. Their achievements reflected the faculty’s growing culture of research excellence and its dedication to producing graduates whose work has the potential to create meaningful change.
Congratulating the award recipients on behalf of the industry, Mr Saba Rahimi from the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) applauded the students for their achievements and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening partnerships between academia and industry. He commended VUT for its collaborative approach and encouraged greater involvement between postgraduate researchers and professional bodies to further advance innovation in the technology sector.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Ms Tebogo Mmamoraga Chauke described the recognition as a rewarding milestone after a challenging journey. Having published three research manuscripts, she said the award affirmed the importance of research that extends beyond academic fulfilment and delivers sustainable solutions to industry. She expressed her hope for stronger collaboration between universities and industry so that research can continue addressing practical challenges while creating lasting impact.
As VUT continues to strengthen its culture of research and innovation during its 60th anniversary year, the achievements of these postgraduate students serve as a reminder that impactful research has the power to shape industries, transform communities and inspire future generations of scholars.