Mr Neo Moabi (right), a Master's student in Mechanical Engineering and President of Enactus CUT, receives the prestigious Enactus South Africa Evan Poulos Student Leadership Excellence Award from Ms Letitia de Wet, Chief Executive Officer and Country Director of Enactus South Africa, during the 2026 Enactus South Africa Annual Exposition held in Johannesburg.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) continues to affirm its commitment to being a student-centred university that empowers students to lead, innovate and create sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Through platforms such as Enactus CUT, the university provides students with opportunities to develop entrepreneurial, leadership and professional skills that prepare them to make meaningful contributions both during their studies and beyond their university life. This commitment was once again demonstrated at the 2026 Enactus South Africa Annual Exposition, where Enactus CUT students received national recognition for their outstanding leadership and innovation.

The Enactus CUT team, under the tutelage of Prof. Crispen Chipunza, Prof. Patient Rambe and Ms Maraka Lefera, attended the 2026 Enactus South Africa Annual Exposition, held in Johannesburg from 23 to 24 July 2026.

A major highlight of the event was the recognition of Mr Neo Moabi, a master’s student in Mechanical Engineering and President of Enactus CUT, who received the prestigious Enactus South Africa Evan Poulos Student Leadership Excellence Award. The award honours students who demonstrate exceptional leadership through their participation in Enactus, particularly in project and team leadership roles.

The achievement is especially significant as Enactus South Africa comprises students from 21 universities across the country. Under Moabi's leadership, Enactus CUT has strengthened its organisational operations while expanding its portfolio of student-owned enterprises. His leadership has been instrumental in creating an enabling environment that encourages student entrepreneurs to establish enterprises under the Enactus CUT umbrella while meeting the requirements of the Enactus South Africa programme.

The team's success has been evident throughout the year. Earlier in 2026, Enactus CUT emerged as the winner of the Enactus South Africa Summer Challenge. Beyond his leadership role within Enactus, Moabi is also the Co-founder of Airnergy and Tech Solutions Enterprise, which advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 Enactus South Africa National Exposition.

Mr Neo Moabi (right), receives the second-place award in the Digital Transformation for Community Development category, sponsored by the MTN SA Foundation, from Mr Arthur Makhuva, General Manager at MTN.

The enterprise further secured second place in the Digital Transformation for Community Development thematic award, sponsored by the MTN SA Foundation. The award recognises enterprises that effectively leverage technology to improve operational efficiency while creating sustainable solutions for community development.

Reflecting on the recognition, Moabi described the Evan Poulos Student Leadership Excellence Award as more than a personal achievement. "This award reflects strong leadership, consistency and teamwork. It also represents the journey I have taken within Enactus, from being a general team member to serving as Deputy President and now President of Enactus CUT. I feel incredibly proud and humbled by this recognition, especially knowing that my journey has been shaped by the people who trusted me, worked alongside me, challenged me and helped me grow as a leader."

For Moabi, leadership has never been about holding a title but about serving others, creating opportunities, supporting his team and building a lasting legacy. "Winning this award is a meaningful reminder of the impact we have made, and it motivates me to continue becoming the kind of leader who inspires others and creates lasting change."

His achievement further strengthens Enactus CUT's legacy of producing nationally recognised student leaders. Over the years, several Enactus CUT members have received prestigious leadership accolades, including Mr Taelo Matlala, Deputy President in 2023, who received the Enactus South Africa WV de Wet Student Leadership Excellence Award; Ms Yanelisa Giyose, President in 2022, who was named the Enactus South Africa Evan Poulos Student Leader of the Year; Mr Sizolwakhe Mtetwa, President in 2021, who was recognised through the Global Youth Innovators Programme; and Mr Thembisile Tyopo, Project Manager in 2019, who also received the Enactus South Africa WV de Wet Student Leadership Excellence Award.

Today, these alumni and students continue to excel in academia, industry and entrepreneurship, reflecting Enactus CUT's sustained commitment to developing future-ready graduates who are equipped to drive innovation, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.

In her comments, Ms Maraka Lefera, Enactus CUT Co-Faculty Advisor, said Moabi's recognition highlights the institutional culture of leadership excellence and highlights the transformative role Enactus plays in empowering students. "I am incredibly proud of Neo. His achievement reflects his dedication, resilience and commitment to servant leadership. He embodies the values of Enactus and demonstrates the calibre of student leaders that CUT continues to develop. I wish him every success in all his future endeavours."