“VUT Diamond Jubilee, VUT Graduation, Staff Development, Human Resource Management, Management Sciences, Motsokoane Elisa Malema, Lifelong Learning, Higher Education”
18 September 2026 | Story by: Kwanele Moloi | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
3 minutes read time.
As the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) marks 60 years of academic excellence under the theme Diamond Jubilee: Legacy in Motion, the institution continues to demonstrate that learning does not end with employment. Among the graduates celebrated during the Spring graduation ceremonies was Ms Motsokoane Elisa Malema, a staff member in the Department of Management Sciences who successfully completed her qualification in Human Resource Management while balancing the demands of full-time employment.
Her achievement reflects VUT’s commitment to creating an environment where staff members are encouraged to pursue further studies and unlock their full potential. By investing in the academic growth of its employees, the university not only strengthens individual careers but also enhances the quality of service delivered across the institution.
Juggling work responsibilities and academic commitments was not without challenges. Like many working professionals pursuing higher education, Ms Malema had to develop effective strategies to meet deadlines and maintain high standards in both areas of her life.
“I was determined to stay disciplined and focused,” she said. “Whenever my work and academic schedules collided, I would wake up as early as midnight to prepare my tasks and ensure my assignments were completed for the following day. That level of dedication is how I managed to succeed.”
Her journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, self-discipline and a clear sense of purpose. It also highlights the opportunities available to VUT employees who aspire to further their qualifications while contributing to the university community.
For Ms Malema, the value of her studies extends beyond the graduation stage. The knowledge and skills gained through the Human Resource Management programme have enriched her professional capabilities, equipping her with a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics, communication practices and human capital development.
“The qualification has helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she said. “It has strengthened the way I interact with colleagues and students and has given me a greater appreciation for the role of people management within an organisation.”
Walking across the graduation stage carried special significance for someone who works within the very institution that awarded her qualification. The experience served as a reminder that VUT is not only a place where students pursue their dreams but also a workplace that encourages its employees to continue learning and advancing their careers.
Ms Malema hopes her achievement will inspire other staff members who may be considering further studies but are uncertain about taking the first step.
“My advice is simple: believe in yourself, stay committed and do not give up when things become difficult. The journey may be demanding, but the reward is worth the effort.”
As VUT celebrates six decades of transforming lives through education, stories such as Ms Malema’s illustrate the university’s enduring commitment to lifelong learning. Her achievement demonstrates that when determination is matched with institutional support, success becomes possible, regardless of where one’s journey begins.
Through graduates like Ms Malema, VUT’s Legacy in Motion continues to take shape, proving that the university’s greatest investment remains the growth and empowerment of its people.