Not Gentle: Ode To The Strength Of Academic Excellence Pursuers

Not Gentle: Ode To The Strength Of Academic Excellence Pursuers. In the face of the relentless tide of mediocrity, we must heed the stirring words, “Do not go gentle into that good night”, a call to action that resounds not only in the literary world but also in the academic realm. These words urge us to resist the pull of complacency and to relentlessly pursue excellence. Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the TUT Academic Excellence Awards, we are reminded of the indomitable spirit of scholars who continue to push boundaries in their quest for academic distinction.
It is my honor to welcome Dr. Wouter Kellerman, a flautist extraordinaire and a two-time Grammy Award winner. With a recent nomination for the Best New Age Ambient or Chant Album at the 2024 Grammys, Dr. Kellerman exemplifies the kind of excellence that we celebrate tonight. He is a shining example of what it means to rise above, to fight for the future of the arts, and to push beyond the ordinary in search of greatness. Much like the pursuit of academic excellence, his music strives to transcend the mundane and inspire the nation. His efforts remind us of the power of dedication and the importance of nurturing one’s craft.
“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” These immortal lines from Dylan Thomas’ famous poem echo a timeless message: to fight against the forces that seek to diminish the light of knowledge and innovation. Written in 1947 while Thomas’ father lay dying, this poem captures the emotional plea of a son who refuses to accept the finality of death. It’s a fierce call to continue the struggle, a call to not surrender to mediocrity or the dimming of the light of achievement.
While many know Dylan Thomas for his lyrical prose, it’s also worth noting that his own life, filled with struggles and controversies, underscores the rawness of his art. Known for his hedonistic lifestyle, Thomas lived as a “roistering, drunken and doomed poet.” However, the essence of his poem lies not in his personal demons but in the resilience of the human spirit. According to Maria Popova, the poem is a “rapturous ode to the unassailable tenacity of the human spirit.” It is this very tenacity we celebrate tonight—the resilience of those who refuse to go gently into the night of mediocrity.
The Spirit of Perseverance: Celebrating Academic Excellence
The TUT Academic Excellence Awards are designed to honor those who embody the values of dedication, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity. Just as Dylan Thomas’ poem calls for the refusal to succumb to the fading light, these awards recognize individuals who have, through tireless effort, illuminated the world of academia. Excellence in education is not a static achievement but a continuous process of growth, learning, and unyielding commitment.
I previously urged the recipients of these awards not to view them as an end but as a milestone. Academic excellence is not a destination, but a journey—a journey that must not be hindered by complacency or arrogance. The awards should not lull anyone into the “good night” of satisfaction, but rather ignite further ambition and relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. As scholars, we must strive for continuous improvement in our research, our teaching, and our contributions to the global intellectual community.
At TUT, we emphasize that these awards are not mere accolades, but symbols of a relentless drive to make a lasting impact in our respective fields. They are not tokens of past achievements but affirmations of future potential. Do not go gentle into that good night—these words are a rallying cry for all academics, urging them to continue their pursuit of excellence in every aspect of their work.
Excellence: The Pursuit and the Exemplars
To truly grasp the meaning of excellence, it is helpful to look to those who have walked the path before us, those whose lives and work serve as powerful reminders of the possibilities of human achievement.
Take, for instance, the story of Gerald Sekoto, a world-renowned South African artist. Born in Botshabelo Mission Station, Sekoto’s journey toward excellence began with a single moment of discovery. As a young boy, he found a drawing book belonging to his father, igniting a passion for art that would shape his future. His story is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity and dedication. Sekoto’s legacy lives on not only through his art but also through his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Similarly, Chabani Manganyi, the biographer of Sekoto, is an embodiment of academic excellence. His meticulous attention to detail and his unyielding pursuit of knowledge have made him a respected figure in the world of literature and psychology. His biographical work on Sekoto and Dumile Feni, another iconic South African artist, showcases the importance of perseverance and deep inquiry in the pursuit of excellence.
Phamela Zibuyile Dube, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Technology, is another stellar example. Dube’s journey from the humble township of KwaMakhutha to her current position is a story of determination and resilience. She, too, has followed her own “yellow brick road,” relentlessly striving for academic and professional excellence. Her story is one of overcoming adversity and challenging societal limitations, pushing against the constraints of her environment to achieve greatness.
And then there is the inspiring tale of Professor Mosa Moshabela, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town. His journey from a small village to a renowned academic institution is a reminder that no challenge is insurmountable when fueled by a desire for knowledge and a commitment to excellence. Moshabela’s story underscores the power of education to transform lives and communities, and it serves as a beacon for all those pursuing academic greatness.
These individuals, along with many others, demonstrate the power of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Their stories remind us that academic success is not simply about intellectual ability; it is about resilience, commitment, and the willingness to push past obstacles. They are living proof that the pursuit of excellence is not a passive endeavor but an active, continuous effort.
The Call to Action: Rage Against Mediocrity
As we celebrate the achievements of those recognized tonight, we are reminded of the broader mission of academia. The pursuit of excellence is a collective responsibility—one that transcends individual achievements and touches the future of our nation and the world. As academics, we must continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, research, and innovation. We must not rest on our laurels but strive for even greater heights, fueled by the desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
The TUT Academic Excellence Awards are not merely celebrations of past success but calls to action. To the recipients, I say: you have earned this recognition, but remember, this is only the beginning. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light of academic excellence. Challenge yourself to be better, to reach further, to innovate more.
In the spirit of Dylan Thomas, I urge you to resist the temptation to settle for mediocrity. The world needs your contributions, your insights, and your passion. As you continue your academic journey, may you always strive for excellence and never lose sight of the light that guides your path.
Conclusion
As we honor the winners of the 2024 TUT Academic Excellence Awards, we are reminded of the enduring power of human spirit, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. Let us all, regardless of our field, continue to push for excellence, to challenge the status quo, and to strive for innovation. The pursuit of academic excellence is not a one-time achievement, but an ongoing journey—a journey that, like the light in Dylan Thomas’ poem, must never fade.