The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Student Governance and Leadership Development (SGLD) hosted the 2025 Merits Awards Ceremony on Friday, 07 November, at Madeira Residence Hall, celebrating outstanding students for their leadership, commitment, and service.

Mr. Andrew Makhushe, Head of Department for the Pretoria and Mbombela campuses, explained that the ceremony was held to appreciate students’ resilience and commitment.

“We are here to honour excellence, commitment, and perseverance. Achievements come from hard work and resilience, and this ceremony is our way of saying thank you,” said Mr. Makhushe

Among the evening’s recipients was Buhlali Shabalala, one of the winners, a peer facilitator under the SGLD office, who expressed heartfelt gratitude after receiving multiple awards. “All the sacrifices and hard work finally paid off,” she said.

Jordan Barnell, who also received 4 accolade awards, including Best Group of the Year, described the recognition as a motivation to push further. “It is inspiring for me and other students to go beyond our limits,” she shared.

Gomolemo Mokemane, chairperson of the Black Management Forum and peer facilitator under the Top Juniors Leadership Development Programme, highlighted how the events encourage students’ involvement beyond academics.

Gomolemo said, “I feel like the handwork that we put in through there has finally paid out, and he thanks the direct trade for having such an occasion, such an event for us, where we celebrate their handwork they put throughout the year.”

Ms. Shalate Davhana, a motivational speaker, reminded students of the power of teamwork, saying, “One can go fast when going alone, but one can go far when going together.”