A top-performing student from the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has been recognised nationally for her outstanding academic achievements in the field of Geomatics. Nokwazi Nkabini, a student in the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, has been awarded the prestigious CONSAS Award, presented annually to the best-performing Geomatics student at each university in South Africa. The award requires recipients to achieve a minimum overall average of 70% of their undergraduate studies.
Nkabini exceeded expectations, achieving an impressive overall average of 76% and earning high praise from her lecturer, Siyabonga Khanyeza. “We, as the surveying division of the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, are proud to celebrate this achievement,” said Khanyeza. “This is an honour and a significant accomplishment within the Surveying and Geomatics profession.”
According to Khanyeza, Nkabini’s academic record reflects consistent excellence, including multiple distinctions in core Surveying modules. Khanyeza noted that Nkabini’s success is a testament not only to her dedication and hard work, but also to the strength of MUT’s academic programme. “It highlights the quality of our curriculum, the commitment of our lecturers, and the value of the academic guidance and mentorship offered within the department,” he added.
The recognition further reinforces MUT’s role in developing highly skilled Geomatics professionals in South Africa. Khanyeza said such achievements strengthen confidence among industry partners and professional bodies in the competence and readiness of the University’s graduates. “Most importantly, achievements like this inspire our current students and reinforce our commitment to academic excellence, professional relevance, and graduate success,” he said.
Reflecting on her success, Nkabini credited a combination of discipline, faith, and effective study habits. Nkabini explained that prayer played a central role in her routine, helping her maintain focus and clarity before each study session. Nkabini also emphasised the importance of consistency. “I attended all my classes and stayed up to date with my work. I kept my notes, deadlines, and tasks organised so nothing fell through the cracks,” she said.
Nkabini added that she regularly revised her lecture material to ensure full understanding and sought help from classmates and lecturers whenever needed. During exam periods, she adopted a determined mindset, pushing herself to achieve distinctions in both her coursework and final assessments. She also used online learning platforms, such as YouTube, to reinforce her understanding of complex concepts. Nkabini’s achievement stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through dedication, resilience, and the effective use of available resources.