Honorary doctorate for business and entrepreneurial excellence

The 2016 Spring Graduations at the Vaal University of Technology was nothing short of scholarly excellence, recognising the achievements and successes of all graduates. Adding an extra touch of distinction, VUT honoured Dr Tim Tebeila with a Doctorate in Business Administration from the faculty of Management Sciences, on 8 September.

Dr Tebeila, CEO of Sekoko Solutions and an astute businessman, was conferred with this doctorate for his continued contribution in the field of business and entrepreneurship. His lovely wife, Pollet Tebeila, accepted the doctorate on his behalf, as he was still on his way to the ceremony from an international flight. Tebeila read out the speech her husband wrote with gratitude.

Dr Tebeila's message to all graduates was: "Use your qualifications in a Godly way. When you have found your feet in the corporate industry, you need to plow from your earnings and give back to the community. Have your ethics in order and the world will recognise you in future." Dr Tebeila believes one should work honestly and of their own accord in order to achieve success.

Dr Tebeila was born in a small village of Sekhukhune in 1965 in the Limpopo province. He is recognised as one of the most successful businessmen and philanthropists in South Africa. His first job was in 1990 as a teacher; with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, he took a giant leap of faith in 1995 and opened an insurance firm, Tebeila Insurance Brokers.

In 1996, he established a construction company, Tebcon Developers, and in 2002 purchased Coal of Africa, an established mining company. In December 2002, Dr Tebeila successfully won the public bid for Sekoko Platinum for the acquisition of 480 000 shares in Lebowa Mineral Trust of the Anglo American Group.

He currently has a portfolio of 10 companies, varying from construction, insurance, mining, technology and financial services.