Overcome with emotion, Darlington Sithole could not hold back his tears of joy as he walked across the stage to graduate cum laude in Mathematics Education. He is pictured being comforted by Dr Sally Dzingwa, Institutional Registrar.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) continues to develop graduates who contribute meaningfully to priority areas such as STEM education. Among them are Darlington Sithole and Kamogelo Matlonya, both of whom graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET Teaching, specialising in Mathematics.

Within the Faculty of Humanities, the development of Mathematics educators forms part of CUT’s broader strategy to strengthen STEM education and address critical skills shortages in schools. By equipping future teachers with strong subject knowledge and practical teaching methodologies, the university plays a vital role in improving learning outcomes and advancing national development priorities.

Kamogelo Matlonya (centre) celebrates a proud moment with her parents after graduating cum laude in Mathematics Education, a milestone that reflects her hard work and dedication.

For Darlington Sithole, success was rooted in consistency from the very beginning. “It’s an emotional but fulfilling moment because everything I worked hard for has been recognised,” he said. “This qualification required me to hit the ground running from first year. Attending classes every day and submitting assignments on time was essential.” Sithole also made use of diverse learning resources, including textbooks, group discussions, and online tools, to deepen his understanding. His passion for Mathematics, combined with prior experience assisting learners, inspired him to pursue a career in teaching.

Kamogelo Matlonya attributes her achievement to commitment, discipline, and perseverance. “I feel so excited because my dream has come true. All those sleepless nights paid off,” she shared. Her success was driven by consistent daily practice, structured study routines, and a willingness to seek help when needed. “You have to solve problems every day and make sure you fully understand each question,” she added.

Their accomplishments highlight the importance of dedication and effective study strategies, while reinforcing CUT’s role in preparing future educators who will contribute to improving Mathematics education.