TUT Celebrates Three New PhD Graduates In Business Administration. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) continues to prove its commitment to academic excellence and societal advancement with the recent celebration of three outstanding doctoral achievements. In its 2025 Autumn Graduation, the university proudly conferred Doctoral Degrees in Business Administration on three brilliant scholars: Dr Paulos Motampe Mpye, Dr Mmotlana Joseph Mokonyane, and Dr Melvin Sello Mothoa.
These remarkable individuals are not only role models for the next generation of scholars but also active contributors to South Africa’s vision for sustainable economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurial development. Their rigorous research and commitment to the field of Business Administration mark a significant milestone in TUT’s pursuit of academic leadership.
The Importance of Business Administration in South Africa Growth
The field of Business Administration plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic and social structure of any nation. In South Africa, where unemployment, economic disparities, and transformation are core national priorities, research in this area can have far-reaching impacts.
Business Administration provides:
- Frameworks for Efficient Business Operations
- Strategies for Innovation and Job Creation
- Policy Development for Economic Sustainability
- Support for Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
By equipping professionals with the tools to lead with vision, manage with strategy, and innovate with responsibility, the discipline serves as a backbone for public and private sector growth.
Meet the TUT PhD Trio
The three graduates have showcased the depth and quality of TUT’s doctoral programs. Their academic journey reflects a commitment not just to personal success, but to uplifting communities, supporting businesses, and strengthening governance structures.
Dr Paulos Motampe Mpye
Dr Mpye’s research delved into business strategy optimization in the post-COVID economic landscape. His findings offer valuable insights into how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can pivot successfully in volatile markets. Dr Mpye’s recommendations for risk mitigation, strategic alliances, and digital transformation are already influencing local business policies.
Dr Mmotlana Joseph Mokonyane
With a passion for entrepreneurship development, Dr Mokonyane examined the impact of entrepreneurial education on youth employment in Gauteng. His thesis presents a compelling case for embedding entrepreneurship into the national curriculum, aligning closely with South Africa’s long-term development goals.
Dr Melvin Sello Mothoa
Focusing on innovation systems within public institutions, Dr Mothoa’s research highlighted how bureaucratic agility and leadership innovation can improve service delivery. His work contributes to national discussions around public sector reform and governance.
| Graduate Name | Research Focus Area | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Paulos Motampe Mpye | Business Strategy in Volatile Markets | Digital transformation, SME growth models |
| Dr Mmotlana J. Mokonyane | Youth Entrepreneurship Education | Curriculum policy, employment enhancement |
| Dr Melvin S. Mothoa | Innovation in Public Sector Institutions | Bureaucratic agility, governance efficiency |
TUT Role in Shaping Future-Ready Graduates
As The People’s University, Tshwane University of Technology takes pride in producing graduates who are not only academically strong but are also socially conscious and ready to address the real-world challenges of today and tomorrow. The university’s vision, encapsulated in hashtags like #FutureReady, #FromGood2Great, and #ClassOf2025, reinforces its role in building a better South Africa.
TUT’s Faculty of Management Sciences offers robust programs in Business Administration, aligned with both academic standards and industry needs. These doctoral degrees represent not just personal triumphs, but also the strength of the institution’s support systems, mentorship programs, and commitment to research excellence.
Economic and Social Impact of Doctoral Research in Business
These three new PhD graduates have set a high standard for what it means to be a scholar in the business world. Their research outcomes are not locked in academic journals—they are meant to be applied in real-life settings such as:
- Government policy development
- Corporate restructuring
- Entrepreneurial mentorship programs
- Community upliftment projects
The combination of theoretical insight and practical solutions exemplifies how doctoral studies can become catalysts for broader social change.
The Journey of a PhD at TUT
Achieving a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration is no small feat. It requires years of dedication, methodological precision, and a genuine passion for change-making. Students enrolled in TUT’s PhD programs undergo:
- Rigorous course modules
- Extensive research proposals
- Ethical clearance
- Fieldwork and data analysis
- Dissertation defense before an academic panel
This process ensures that only the most committed and capable candidates earn the title of “Doctor.” The success of Dr Mpye, Dr Mokonyane, and Dr Mothoa is a testament to this academic rigour.
Inspiration for Future Students
The stories of these graduates offer inspiration for aspiring PhD candidates, especially from underrepresented communities. Their achievements prove that with the right guidance, institutional support, and individual perseverance, anyone can rise to the top of their field.
Whether you are an undergraduate student exploring business, a working professional considering postgraduate education, or an entrepreneur looking for data-driven solutions, the path laid by these TUT graduates serves as a beacon of possibility.
Conclusion
The graduation of Dr Paulos Mpye, Dr Mmotlana Mokonyane, and Dr Melvin Mothoa marks a historic moment for Tshwane University of Technology and for South African academia. Their success underlines the importance of academic research in shaping policy, transforming industries, and elevating lives.
