“Sicelo Prince Sithole’s journey from Mangweni Village to academic excellence at VUT reflects perseverance, resilience and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.”
22 September 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digaso | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
There was a moment during his master’s studies when Mr Sicelo Prince Sithole seriously considered giving up.
His funding had come to an end, financial pressure was mounting and the future that once seemed certain suddenly felt out of reach. For a student determined to complete his qualification, it was one of the most difficult periods of his academic journey.
“There was a point where I felt like giving up. It felt like the ground was shifting beneath me, and I questioned whether I should continue.”
Today, that challenging chapter forms part of a very different story.
Mr Sithole, who comes from Mangweni Village in Mpumalanga’s Nkomazi Municipality, was recognised at the Vaal University of Technology’s inaugural Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards after being named the top Master’s student in the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences. He received the Vice-Chancellor’s Award and a bursary after completing his Master of Information and Communications Technology in 2025.
For Mr Sithole, the recognition represents far more than academic achievement.
“When I received the award, it was a very humbling moment. It made me realise that the late nights, sacrifices and moments of doubt had not gone unnoticed.”
As the first person in his family to reach this level academically, he carries a deep appreciation for the opportunities that education has created in his life. Growing up in a rural community taught him resilience and the importance of making the most of every opportunity that came his way.
His interest in Information and Communications Technology developed from a fascination with technology and the rapid changes taking place in the world around him.
Rather than watching those changes from the sidelines, he wanted to become part of them.
“I wanted to be part of the shift rather than watch from the sidelines.”
That passion eventually led him to VUT, where he was able to turn his interest in technology into an academic and professional pursuit.
The journey, however, was not without setbacks.
When financial challenges threatened his ability to complete his studies, the support of his supervisors played a critical role in helping him continue. They reminded him of how far he had already come and encouraged him to focus on the finish line rather than the obstacles in front of him.
Equally important was the support of his mother, whom he describes as his greatest source of strength. Although she never had the opportunity to pursue higher education herself, she consistently encouraged her son to value education and persevere through difficult circumstances.
“She would remind me that I had an opportunity to go to school, an opportunity she never had.”
Reflecting on her influence, he adds:
“Her strength carried me when mine was running low.”
Being recognised during VUT’s milestone 60th anniversary year made the achievement even more meaningful. For Mr Sithole, receiving one of the inaugural Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Awards means becoming part of an important chapter in the University’s history.
“History has no blank pages.”
He says the recognition gave him a sense of pride, not only because of what he had achieved personally, but because of what it represents for his family, community and future aspirations.
Looking ahead, Mr Sithole’s ambitions extend beyond his own success. He plans to pursue a PhD in Information and Communications Technology and hopes to use his knowledge and experience to support young people.
One of his long-term goals is to establish an academy that will provide academic support to Grade 8 to Grade 12 learners while also creating opportunities for unemployed graduates to serve as tutors and mentors.
For him, education is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others.
“Never let your background define you. Where you come from is your foundation, not your limit.”
His journey from Mangweni Village to academic recognition at VUT is a story of perseverance, faith and determination. While the Vice-Chancellor’s Award celebrates what he has already achieved, Mr Sithole sees it as motivation for what comes next: using education to uplift others and create opportunities for future generations.
His message to students who may be facing their own challenges is simple:
“Your story is still being written, and the pen is in your hand.”