Prof Awelani Mudau, C3 NRF rating scholar, in the Department of Science and Technology Education specialising in Natural Science and Environmental Education

I was born in Soweto, where I lived with my grandmother (maternal) vho Nyawaisedza up until grade 3. Truly speaking, I did not like school much at that time. I remember I would bunk school for many days. If I had continued living there, I don’t think I would have even graduated from primary school.  I moved to a village in Venda, where I lived with my paternal grandmother. I continued with my old habits of bunking school. My grandmother (Vho Nyawaisedza) came back to Venda, and I stayed with her again.  She played a huge role in influencing me positively. She always said education was my only way out of poverty.

When I was in grade 9, my grandmother then had to leave for Johannesburg to work. It was then that I truly understood how impoverished I was. I had to learn to fend for myself from the tender age of 13. Sometimes I would go to bed with an empty stomach as my grandmother would not be able to send money home. Due to my introverted nature, I never had the guts to ask for help from anyone. I stayed alone up until I completed grade 12 at the tender age of 16. I was one of the four learners that passed grade 12 with an exemption and got admitted to university to study education. Despite my good grade, there was no money available for me to further my studies. Nonetheless, my church (Dzimauli AFM) granted me the opportunity to go to a college of education by paying for my registration and accommodation. I then completed my qualification with the little that my grandmother was earning from the farms.

My impoverished background was always what motivated me to do better than the day before. In my first year at the college, I slept on the floor as there were no more beds. This did not bother me so much, because the words of my grandmother would be ringing like a loud bell in my ear. She always said, “Mana a mutukana asi vhumatshelo hawe” (We cannot determine your future by judging where you are today or your poor background). For my teaching practice, some of the people from my village and the church, would lend me their clothes, just so that I would look presentable like other students.

My introverted nature has been both a curse and blessing for me. Asking for help does not come easy for me. I remember when I completed my teaching qualification, I did not work for over a year, due to my ignorance and naivety. Once I moved back to Soweto, my neighbour who saw me basking in the sun day in and out, advised me to go to the circuit and look for a vacancy. Most schools thought I was just too young and inexperienced. However, one principal (Providence Academy), saw something in me that he liked and decided to give me a chance. From that day on I became a teacher.

Furthermore, once I got married, I truly had no interest in furthering my studies. However, my wife (Pfarelo) was the one that convinced me and registered for me. Upon completing my masters, I then joined UNISA. I soon realised any promotion in this institution is entirely in one’s own hands. This motivated me to set goals and targets for myself to publish. Through hard work and perseverance, I rose through the ranks and today I am an NRF rated Full Professor and Chair of Department of Science and Technology Education. Leading and managing the department is such an honour for me. I do not for a day, take it for granted. My leadership style allows for creativity and creating opportunities for colleagues to grow, by allowing them to make mistakes and learning from them. It is my wish that all the young stars in the department obtain their PhDs, progress academically and get rated as soon as possible. I truly believe that the University’s success and future lies in the hands of these young ones. Young people are an investment, as they bring change, positive arrogance, and progression.

Who else celebrates your achievements?

Prof Tabane, Chair of Department of Psychology of Education: Prof Mudau is an example of what resilience is. He is a dedicated individual and never loses sight of the course. He is a steadfast believer, unknown to him, of Rogerian, with serious elements of Humanistic Theory embraced by the African Philosophy that your current situation does not define you as long as you exude empathy, self-regard and remain genuine. Prof Mudau is big-hearted coupled with a big smile, that’s what he sees in people. I am not surprised that he shut down some of the doubting Toms and Marys. He is still to achieve more as he continuously inspires me.

Dr Tavonga Tawanda (student): Prof A.V Mudau is a great, hardworking, and compassionate supervisor who demands the best. I have benefitted in an invaluable way from him as student, professional and in my personal capacity. He is an invaluable person.

Dr Thasmai Dhurumraj, Lecturer at University of Johannesburg: I am his 1st PhD Graduate, thus Prof Mudua's exceptional skills as a leader, educationist and academic, are evident.  From supervisor to colleague to on-going mentor, I am where I am today because of Prof Mudau.

Dr Matlala Makokotlela, Senior Lecture in Department of Science and Technology Education: My pathfinder, shepherd, and inspiration. He has made me to understand my journey as an emerging scholar, have confidence as I walk through this journey, and to never give up. I am growing in this area.

Prof Mishack Gumbo, NRF C1 Rated Researcher: Your servant leadership has benefited me and the Department a lot this far. You are a true and effective Leader; you allow colleagues space to release their potential and flourish to become formidable leaders.

Prof Tome Mapotse, Associate Professor in the Department of Science and Technology Education: He is a visionary leader who does not enjoy maintaining followers BUT to produce future leaders as he leads by example. He offers and supports anyone within the department to reach their academic goals by granting them a scholarly space.

We are all super proud of you Prof.  Always remember, you may not say much, but in your silence, we are inspired.

# Moleboheng Ramulumo