In the vibrant corridors of the Central University of Technology (CUT), one name stands out as a beacon of innovation, dedication, and inspiration, Ms Tsholofelo Tshabadira.

Recently honoured with the Vice-Chancellor’s Early Career Teaching Award, she is one of 15 exceptional individuals recognised for their remarkable contributions to academia, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, but behind the accolades lies a story of passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future of design education.

A Purpose-Driven Educator

A passionate lecturer in the Department of Design and Studio Art, Ms Tshabadira teaches Studio Practice, Ideation, and Collaborative Practice in Industry across various levels of the Design Technology programme. For her, teaching is more than a profession, it’s a calling.

Her philosophy blends innovation, student-centred learning, and real-world engagement, encouraging students to think critically, create boldly, and design meaningfully. “Education should inspire curiosity,” she believes, “and empower students to see design as both a creative and socially conscious pursuit.”

Leading with Vision and Heart

Beyond the classroom, Ms Tshabadira is a respected leader within the Faculty of Humanities, where she chairs the Teaching and Learning Committee and contributes to strategic initiatives on Technology, Quality Assurance, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Articulation.

Her leadership is marked by collaboration and forward thinking, ensuring that academic programmes evolve with changing times while staying rooted in quality and inclusivity. Her influence extends into curriculum innovation and academic development, areas where she continues to shape the trajectory of design education.

A Global Footprint

Ms Tshabadira’s impact doesn’t stop at CUT’s borders. Through her involvement in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects under the IKUDU initiative, she connects classrooms across continents, partnering with institutions such as The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and Florida International University in the United States.

Her global engagement continues through her role on the International Advisory Committee at Woxsen University’s School of Design in India and participation in numerous international academic residencies and conferences. These experiences enrich not only her own teaching but also open new worlds of opportunity for her students.

A Scholar and Lifelong Learner

An emerging academic leader, Ms Tshabadira also contributes actively to research and knowledge exchange. She is a co-author of scholarly publications exploring virtual exchanges in higher education and frequently hosts seminars and workshops on innovative and inclusive teaching practices. Her work reflects the spirit of lifelong learning, that is continuously evolving, questioning, and reimagining what education can be.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For her, success is measured not just in awards or titles, but in the growth and confidence of her students. Whether in the studio, at a conference, or leading a committee meeting, her purpose remains clear: to create spaces where creativity thrives, collaboration flourishes, and the next generation of designers is empowered to make meaningful impact. Her journey, from dedicated lecturer to global collaborator, is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. In every project and every lesson, Tshabadira continues to embody the transformative power of education, not just as a profession, but as a force for change.

Reflecting on her achievement, Ms Tsholofelo Tshabadira describes receiving the award as both an honour and a powerful affirmation of her journey as an emerging academic.

“Personally, it fills me with immense gratitude and pride,” she shares. “Professionally, it represents a meaningful milestone, one that strengthens my commitment to innovative, student-centred teaching while opening doors for collaboration, mentorship, and scholarly growth. This recognition inspires me to deepen my impact in higher education and continue creating meaningful learning experiences for my students.”

As we celebrate her success, we also look forward to the continued journey of a passionate educator, a visionary leader, and a changemaker shaping the future of higher education.

A moment of honour: From left: Prof. David Ngidi, DVC: Teaching and Learning (L) and Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal (R) celebrate Ms Tsholofelo Tshabadira’s rise as a pioneer in teaching and learning. Discover the story behind the award, the passion that drives her, and the impact she’s making in higher education.

Uploaded: 29 October 2025