By: Nontobeko Moimane 23 November 2022

Recently, the Vaal University of Technology’s Executive Dean for the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Chengedzai Mafini, received a prestigious “Academic of the Year” award during the Supply Chain Awards hosted by (AWISCA) African Women In Supply Chain Association and the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA).

Prof Mafini is a Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA) (CMILT) member and was recognised for his exceptional dedication to working with the youth and going “above and beyond” to equip and support the next generation of leaders and skilled professionals.

Prof Mafini believes in shaping the VUT students’ thoughts and talents better to understand their field of study and career opportunities. He organises site visits where Logistics students from VUT would visit various companies to observe how supply chain operations are implemented. “I also organised various training workshops for the same students and was responsible for linking the Faculty of Management Sciences to various corporate organisations, especially those involved in logistics and supply chain management,” said Prof Mafini.

Expressing his gratitude and excitement after receiving the award, Prof Mafini stated that he feels honoured to receive the Academic of the Year in the Supply Chain Management category for 2022. “It came as a surprise, but it reminded me that if you apply your best efforts toward the right set of activities, someone is bound to notice”, he added.

He intends to bring such skills to the VUT students by expanding partnerships between the Faculty of Management Sciences and the corporate sector. He further stated that many companies and individuals are willing to work with the faculty to transfer supply chain skills. At the awards ceremony, he met many supply chain professionals that wanted to come to VUT to provide guest lectures. He also added that VUT Alumni are requesting a chance to give back to the faculty that nurtured them.

Prof Mafini was nominated by some industry experts that noticed his efforts, and another panel of industry professionals then evaluated the eligibility of the nominees. The award was handed to him by the MEC for Transport for Gauteng Province: Ms Kedibone Diale-Tlabela at a ceremony held recently at The Capital on The Park Hotel in Sandton. Many industry captains attended the event.

He said, “I feel that VUT academics have so much to offer. We must enhance our efforts to let the external world know what we are doing. That way, our institution and its experts will be recognised for their value add and contributions to the country and the rest of the world.”

Congratulations, Prof Mafini, and continue to raise the VUT flag high!