TUT Academic Excellence Awards Are Double Celebration

TUT Academic Excellence Awards Are Double Celebration

TUT Academic Excellence Awards Are Double Celebration. The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) celebrated a night of exceptional accomplishments at the highly anticipated Annual Academic Excellence Awards, held on November 13. Hosted by Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, this event stood out not only for its recognition of outstanding academic talent but also for the double celebrations marking the university’s continued growth and excellence.

A Night to Remember

The 2024 edition of the TUT Academic Excellence Awards was filled with remarkable achievements, underscoring the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering intellectual brilliance. The night showcased an array of accolades, from new National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings to the conferment of second doctoral degrees. It was a dual celebration of individual and collective academic excellence, as TUT not only recognized the intellectual prowess of its staff and students but also celebrated its 20th anniversary as a leading technological institution.

The evening was a testament to the university’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and its growing stature as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. As the night unfolded, it became clear that TUT’s academic community is poised to continue striving for greatness, pushing the boundaries of academic achievement year after year.

Prof Tinyiko Maluleke Inspiring Words

The event kicked off with a stirring speech from Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, who captivated the audience with his reflection on the power of excellence. Drawing inspiration from the iconic poem Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, Prof Maluleke urged academics to resist complacency and mediocrity. He cautioned the award winners against developing a sense of inflated self-importance or falling into the trap of complacency after receiving recognition.

“These awards are not meant to send recipients into ‘that good night.’ For God’s sake, TUT academics, do not go gentle into that good night! Do not go gentle when it comes to the pursuit of excellence in research. Rage, rage against the culture of mediocrity,” Prof Maluleke emphasized, encouraging the TUT academic community to remain driven by the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Honoring the University Intellectual Talent

The 2024 Academic Excellence Awards not only honored individual achievement but also celebrated the collaborative spirit that defines TUT. The university’s continued success is rooted in the collective efforts of its faculty, researchers, and students, all of whom contribute to the institution’s ongoing evolution.

A Remarkable Year for Doctoral Graduates

Among the highlights of the evening was the recognition of 24 doctoral graduates, including Dr Emily Mabote, who was celebrated for both her academic achievements and her dedication to service. Dr Mabote, who completed her doctoral degree in 2023, also received the Service Beyond the Call of Duty award for her exceptional contributions to the university’s growth and success.

In another notable instance of double celebration, Prof Polly Mashigo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance, was honored for obtaining her second doctoral degree in 2023. Prof Mashigo’s achievement marked a milestone in her academic journey, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and professional growth.

External Recognition and NRF Ratings

The evening also witnessed significant achievements in the realm of external recognition. Prof Ben van Wyk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning, and Technology, was presented with the External Recognition Award for his induction into the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). In addition to this prestigious honor, Prof Van Wyk received recognition for his re-rating to C2 in the NRF Ratings category, underscoring his influential contributions to the field of academia.

Likewise, Prof Phunzo Sidogi of the Faculty of Arts and Design earned a new Y2 rating, further cementing TUT’s position as a leader in research and innovation.

A Celebration of Academic Excellence Across Faculties

The awards ceremony also highlighted the exceptional work across various faculties, with notable achievements in teaching, research, and innovation. In the Faculty of Economics and Finance, auditing lecturer Tebogo Maidi was nominated in two categories and emerged as the Lecturer of the Year. Prof Joseph Roberson from the Faculty of Management Sciences also earned the Lecturer of the Year award in the Teaching, Learning, and Technology category.

For the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2023 was a landmark year with two researchers making significant strides in academic excellence. Prof Maurice Onyango received a re-rating to C2, while Prof Kadiambuji Mbaya earned a new C2 rating, showcasing the faculty’s continued commitment to advancing research in engineering and technology.

In the Faculty of Science, two new C2-rated researchers, Dr Martin Maboko and Prof Katlego Makgopa, were recognized for their groundbreaking work. Prof Michael Shatalov also received a re-rating to C2, adding to the growing list of prestigious academic honors within the faculty.

A Spotlight on Innovation and Research Capacity

The awards also celebrated innovation and the university’s ability to push the boundaries of research. Dr Christiaan Oosthuizen was honored with the Innovator of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to research, including the filing of three patents. Dr Akuru from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment was recognized as the Emerging Researcher of the Year, highlighting the university’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of academic leaders.

Additionally, Prof Khumbulani Mpofu of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment received the Champion Research Capacity Development and Transformation award for his exceptional leadership in research development.

Celebrating TUT Pioneering Achievements

TUT’s AI Hub and Solar Car also received significant recognition during the ceremony. The AI Hub was named Newsmaker of the Year, reflecting its role at the forefront of technological innovation. The Solar Car, an impressive symbol of TUT’s engineering excellence, was awarded the Merit Award, underscoring the university’s success in sustainable technology and engineering.

A Touch of Musical Excellence

The evening was further enriched by a world-class performance from Dr Wouter Kellerman, a double-Grammy award-winning flautist and recipient of an honorary doctorate from TUT. Dr Kellerman, accompanied by his band and jazz vocalist Tebogo Sedumedi (known as Aus Tebza), brought the house down with a soulful rendition of Miriam Makeba’s Malaika, providing a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable evening.

Conclusion

The 2024 TUT Academic Excellence Awards not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of the university’s academic community but also reinforced the importance of continuous excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. With a clear focus on pursuing excellence, TUT’s commitment to fostering a culture of academic distinction continues to shine brightly. As the university embarks on the next chapter of its journey, the academic community’s dedication to breaking new ground, tackling challenges, and achieving greatness remains unwavering.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *