Dr Choice Makhetha, Executive Director: Office of The Vice-Chancellor and Principal narrating some of the chapters from her recently launched book: Owning The Scars And The Stars Of my Journey.

In an atmosphere charged with emotion, intellect, and unapologetic truth-telling, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Library and Information Services proudly hosted the official launch of a groundbreaking memoir: Owning The Scars And The Stars Of my Journey, authored by Dr. Choice Makhetha, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and transformation trailblazer.

In her keynote address, Dr. Makhetha, held nothing back. With sincerity and razor-sharp insight, she recounted decades of experience in her career journey including the student affairs, transformation leadership, and navigating institutional power from the University of the Free State to Stellenbosch University and back to CUT.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr Makhetha said, “Initially, the idea of writing took me by surprise. What began as a few thoughts quickly turned into 15 pages of notes in just one evening. That moment revealed to me that this book needed to be written, not only for myself but for others who are navigating similar experiences in higher education.”

She described the writing process as “painful, necessary, and healing,” noting that the book “poured itself out of her” in stolen moments, typed on a cell phone during commutes, meetings, and quiet nights. “I wrote this book to heal,” Dr. Makhetha shared. “I also wrote it to stop denying others the lessons hidden in my scars. This is me reintroducing myself,” she said. “The result is a raw, resonant, and deeply personal memories that spans institutions, generations, and personal battles from confronting systemic racism to surviving gender-based exclusion,” she added.

Notably, Dr. Makhetha acknowledged the significance of launching the book at CUT citing “some universities would have run away from this book, but CUT embraced it. This is what transformation looks like. The university’s support signaled a powerful shift that CUT is not merely reacting to the call for change, but it is owning the narrative.”

When congratulating Dr Makhetha, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube said “it is truly gratifying to work with people who are not only committed to transforming this institution, but the sector as a whole. Congratulations, Dr Makhetha, I am incredibly proud of you.”

The launch was graced by academic leaders, students, and transformation practitioners from across the higher education landscape. The event was far more than just a book launch, it was a resounding declaration of courage, healing, and purpose.