Rethabile Moleli

Educational Specialist and Higher Education Academic Development Professional

Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan MunicipalityMember since June 4, 2023

Equipment operation and safety protocolsManual lathes, milling machines, and welding equipmentData capturingMechanics of MachinesThermodynamicsEngineering ScienceSolar mobility systemsVehicle aerodynamicsPerformance optimisationProject management

About

Educational Specialist and Higher Education Academic Development Professional with over 15 years of post-school teaching, curriculum design, and academic programme coordination experience. Skilled in enhancing teaching and learning practices, supervising research, and leading Work Integrated Learning (WIL) projects across higher education environments. Experienced in supporting academic staff through mentoring, assessment moderation, and development of teaching materials aligned with national standards and 4IR innovations.

Demonstrated ability in academic administration, module coordination, departmental operations, and leading academic teams in compliance, quality assurance and reporting. Committed to advancing institutional teaching excellence, professional development, and innovative learning systems that strengthen student success and academic performance.

Experience

Mechanical Engineering Senior Lecturer - Motheo TVET College - Bloemfontein

(2017-01)

Deliver lectures and practical sessions while providing academic leadership in curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and student learning strategies
Develop, update, and maintain curriculum, learning materials, and laboratory manuals aligned with academic quality standards and 4IR trends
Mentor academic staff and students, providing guidance, professional development, and targeted interventions for 'at-risk' learners
Coordinate and monitor Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities and research projects to ensure hands-on learning and skill development
Engage with industry partners and community stakeholders to establish cooperative education initiatives, student placements, and institutional partnerships
Manage academic reporting, assessments, and programme administration to support departmental effectiveness
Conduct institutional research to improve teaching strategies and curriculum implementation

Deputy Marking Centre Manager - Department of Higher Education and Training - Bloemfontein

(2023-09 - 2025-08)

Managed large-scale academic processes, ensuring operational compliance, accuracy, and quality reporting
Supervised and trained staff in academic administration, data capturing, and operational procedures
Coordinated and monitored performance of teams, contributing to efficient departmental functioning and project management
Produced reports for senior management, demonstrating communication, professionalism, and operational oversight

Sasol Solar Challenge Advisor & Researcher - University of the Free State

(2023-01 - 2023-06)

Advised and supported the student team on design, development and deployment of a solar-powered vehicle for the Sasol Solar Challenge
Conducted research on solar mobility systems, energy efficiency, vehicle aerodynamics and performance optimisation in the competition context
Coordinated vehicle project timelines, technical milestones, component sourcing and testing processes to meet competition requirements
Supervised student-led engineering experiments, data collection and analysis to inform vehicle design improvements
Liaised with industry partners, sponsors and faculty stakeholders to secure resources, technical support and project funding
Prepared technical reports, progress updates and presentations to faculty leadership and competition organisers
Ensured compliance with safety, regulatory and competition specification protocols for solar vehicle operations

Engineering Subjects Tutor - TeachMe2 - Bloemfontein

(2020-06)

Provide tutoring in mechanical engineering subjects, supporting students in theory, practicals, and research projects
Guide Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities and process simulation exercises for skill development and academic success

Mechanical Engineering Lecturer - Goldfields TVET College - Welkom

(2012-01 - 2016-12)

Delivered lectures and practical sessions while contributing to curriculum development and academic quality improvement
Supervised student research projects and practical work to enhance learning outcomes and technical competencies
Supported staff and students in improving teaching practices and adherence to academic policies

Fitter and Turner - Loti Brick (Pty) Ltd - Bloemfontein

(2011-01 - 2012-12)

Performed maintenance, repair, and assembly of mechanical systems, including conveyor belts, gears, and chain drives
Operated manual lathes, milling machines, and welding equipment to manufacture mechanical components
Assisted with equipment commissioning, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and quality control checks

Mechanical Engineering Part-Time Lecturer - Motheo TVET College - Bloemfontein

(2010-01 - 2010-12)

Delivered lectures and supervised practical sessions in Mechanics of Machines, Thermodynamics, and Engineering Science
Maintained laboratory safety, ensured equipment functionality, and supported student project work

Mechanical Engineering Trainee / Intern - Product Development Technology Station, CUT - Bloemfontein

(2009-01 - 2010-12)

Assisted in research and design projects, prepared technical reports, and supervised student practicals
Maintained documentation for academic and technical project activities

Student Assistant - Central University of Technology - Bloemfontein

(2006-01 - 2006-12)