BUA Vol 8 Issue 4

Industrial Engineering graduate
BREAKS BARRIERS
By Asiphe Mjongile
Thato Mokhela, an alumna, holding a bachelor’s degree in
industrial engineering has transformed her childhood dream into
reality. Born and raised in Itsoseng, a small township between
Lichtenburg and Mahikeng in the Northwest, Thato founded a youth
movement called The Spear while still a student. This movement
is dedicated to empowering the youth by providing them with the
necessary resources to run businesses.
In addition to founding The Spear, Thato has also successfully launched
her own clothing company. Together with her team, she designs clothing
and hosts events that focus on youth entrepreneurship and digital
skills enhancement. Notably, she has employed TUT students in various
leadership positions, including sales and modelling, illustrating her
commitment to nurturing talent within the university.
Mokhela said achieving her goals required unwavering discipline. She
emphasises the importance of discipline in overcoming setbacks and
staying focused on the path to success, highlighting the need to start
over each time one falls short of a goal.
Her journey has not been without its share of obstacles, as she has
faced resistance, loss, rejection and prejudice. However, she has
developed a determined mindset to overcome these adversities,
leveraging her education in Industrial Engineering to shape her
business and emerge as a successful Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
She is currently undergoing a graduate training program at Alstom, a
prominent company in the rail industry.
Morema Rodney Phukunye, the Chairperson
of The Spear, describes Mokhele as a
truly inspiring leader. He commends her
open-mindedness and her eagerness to
embrace innovative ideas and perspectives,
particularly those of the youth.
Thato Mokhela
Thato Ya Modimo Dlalisa
THATO YA MODIMO
DLALISA’S
impressive journey in student
politics
By Asiphe Mjongile
Thato Ya Modimo Dlalisa, a 21-year-old third-year student
majoring in clinical engineering, has made a name for herself
in the world of student politics. Thato has shown exceptional
leadership skills, becoming the uncontested 2023/2024 Student
Faculty Council Chairperson for the Faculty of Engineering and Built
Environment (FEBE).
Thato highlighted that her journey in politics began when she joined
the South African Student Congress (SASCO) in 2021.She is driven by the
organisation’s mandate and the meaning behind its logo, “first friend
on campus”. This experience sparked a passion for politics, which has
since become a defining aspect of her life.
She organised two unforgettable events, the
launch of the Council of Built Environment
Youth Assembly and Women’s month
celebration. The inaugural event took
place on June 21, 2024. Thato serve as
a panellist facilitator, engaging with
various stakeholders in the Engineering
and Built Environment on topics such
as registrations, policy formulation, and
advocacy for inclusivity and diversity.
She said organising the Built Environment Women's Network and the
Council of Built Environment (CBE), the Women's Month Celebration
event was a huge success. Thato mobilised donations from several
sources, such as the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA),
the FEBE departments, the Dean's office, and the local councillor.
Consequently, 1000 packets of sanitary towels were collected, and 250
dignity packs were given to individuals in need.
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