As the Central University of Technology (CUT) toasts 20 years of educational excellence, it proudly showcases the next generation of trailblazers.

CUT is celebrating the inclusion of two of its distinguished alumni in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list for 2024. Lekhooa Seleke and Dr. Eben Proos’s names now shine brightly alongside the country’s brightest young innovators and change-makers. This recognition underscores their exceptional contributions to their respective fields and commitment to fostering positive change in their communities. 

Lekhooa Seleke, a 35-year-old educator at Grassland Secondary School, has made notable strides in the education sector. Recognised as a winner in the education category on July 15, Seleke’s innovative teaching methods and commitment to student success have made a profound impact in the Motheo district in the Free State.

As a Grade 11 and 12 business studies and tourism educator, Seleke is inspired by the prospects of shaping learners’ minds so they realise that their material circumstances do not dictate their future potential. In a country where less than 40% of the population has achieved a matric certificate, Lekhooa’s contribution to nurturing young minds is invaluable.

Beyond the classroom, Seleke is deeply involved in initiatives that address pressing social issues. He is the president of CUT’s alumni association, where he leads the #ReleaseCertificatesCampaign. This campaign assists graduates whose certificates are withheld due to outstanding debts, helping them secure their qualifications and advance their careers.

 “As alumni of CUT, we have a significant responsibility to ensure that we have people who have a great impact in their respective fields,” he said.

Seleke’s dedication to his community is evident in his personal projects. He runs a weekly “Food on Wheels” programme, providing meals to unemployed men, and has established a drug reduction program to support learners dealing with substance abuse. These efforts earned him the National Teaching Award in the Kader Asmal Excellence Awards category. “The award came as a result of the work I am doing beyond the call of duty,” he said.

In the tourism category, Dr. Eben Proos represents CUT not only as an alumni but also as a senior lecturer in tourism management. Proos, 32, is at the forefront of research in niche tourism, dark tourism, and marketing and management in South Africa, having recently received the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Award at CUT.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Proos credits CUT with providing numerous opportunities for growth. He holds three qualifications from CUT  including a doctorate of Management Sciences in Business Administration. “Being an alumnus of CUT and now a senior lecturer, CUT has had a big impact on my journey and provided me with many opportunities to grow and to make a difference in the region,” he said, inspiring others with his transformative experience at CUT.

“For CUT, I think it is a massive milestone to have an alumnus who is now a staff member reaching this milestone, it shows the quality of students and staff that the tourism department and CUT deliver,” said Proos. 

Seleke and Proos's recognition in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list celebrates their achievements and reflects CUT’s dedication to fostering excellence and innovation in its students, faculty, and graduates. Their success is a source of pride and inspiration for the CUT community.

“I hope that this recognition can inspire the next cohort of Young South Africans to make a change in their surroundings. I see it as an opportunity to do even more and work even harder while having fun and inspiring others,” said Proos, instilling hope and optimism in the potential of the next generation.

Their stories testify to CUT’s 20 years of inspiring and equipping future leaders to drive progress and create change in their respective fields.