In this week’s edition, the Central University of Technology celebrates a passionate graphic and multimedia designer Dr Tsekelo Patrick Moremoholo, and Prof. Awelani Melvin Rambuda, an Associate Professor in Education Studies, on their persevered achievements, drive, and determination in all the years of their studies and work.

Dr Moremoholo became part of the CUT family in 2002 as a lecturer’s assistant while he was busy with his BTech in Graphic Design. Upon completing his Masters, he received a promotion and became a full-time lecturer.

In 2020, Dr Moremoholo completed his doctoral degree in Graphic Design at the Tshwane University of Technology, which he strongly believes significantly changed and contributed to his personal development and experience in research. His primary interest is in the field of communication design, where he gets to explore graphic techniques such as animation, visual literacy, and creativity which he always integrates within graphic design and teaching practice.

“My career growth has helped me realise some of my dreams and aspirations, and I now believe I have the skills to thrive in any situation. Up to this stage, I feel that the experience I gained at CUT is truly valuable as it has prepared me for my successful teaching career. I can connect what I have learned over the years to my personal life,” said Dr Moremoholo.

He believes that CUT is a place he can develop and grow personally and professionally, and that is what he loves most about this institution. “This is also a place that is driven towards being the best it can be within the education sector. Moreover, CUT has over the years developed a good reputation and standing within the local and the international communities.”

The scholar is eager to continue his research, teaching, and supervision abilities in the department. He is continuously looking for ways to self-improve his work, health, confidence, and most importantly, his life, “It is a never-ending process,” he added. Lastly, he said he would also like to take the lead on several projects to help the institution succeed.

Prof. Awelani Rambuda has been a loyal and dedicated CUT employee for the past 26 years. He joined the institution as a lecturer in 1995, when it was still Vista University. He became a CUT staff member when Vista university was incorporated into Technikon Free State to form CUT. In 2005 he was promoted and became Senior Lecturer.

Prof. Rambuda indicated that the three pillars of his profession, namely teaching, research, and community service, are what drove him to become a lecturer, and he is enjoying every moment of it. “The actual classroom practice fascinates me. I enjoy taking student teachers from the known to the unknown. I feel fulfilled seeing them grow professionally from the first to the fourth year of their studies.”

Since 2017 he has been focusing on increasing his research output and has published ten articles in accredited scientific journals and four papers in peer-reviewed conference proceedings. “I currently teach undergraduate and postgraduate students and supervise seven master’s and three doctoral students.”

Dr Rambuda said that even though he still needs to work hard to become a full professor, the feeling of being called a professor is a fulfilled dream.

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From left: Dr Tsekelo Patrick Moremoholo and Prof. Awelani Melvin Rambuda.