Khubvi-born educational guru Dr Azwitamisi Shadrack Nthangeni put his home village on the map when he was appointed as the executive director: student affairs and extracurricular development (SAED) at the Tshwane University of Technology. Dr Nthangeni started his new job last month, after he had been acting in the position since 2021.
He started his educational journey at Khubvi Primary School before going on to Silemale Secondary School, and after school he moved to Gauteng to study for his degree.
He is a beacon of hope to the youth in the country at large, and the Vhembe District in particular. Teachers, community leaders and local politicians often use his him as an example whenever they want to motivate learners to work hard to make it in life.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, appointed Nthangeni to be among Boxing South Africa's seven board members, where he has been serving since December 2020. His contract is until December 2023. Boxing SA further appointed him as the national spokesperson in April this year.
Nthangeni assists academic departments as a co-supervisor for master's students and as an external examiner. He has a total of five publications in international and reputable academic journals, and presented papers at international conferences (Australia, Germany, Hong Kong and others), fully demonstrating that he is a seasoned and well-rounded executive.
He is encouraging all youths to work hard to succeed in life, despite their background. "Your background is not your final arbiter. Through perseverance in your education, you are destined for greater prospects in your life," he said.
Dr Nthangeni continues to plant the seed of education and inspire confidence and hope where no hope is found.