Originally from Pretoria, Thomas Spies started his career journey in 1993 in Government Service in Gqeberha (former Port Elizabeth) with projects aimed at the enhancement of previously disadvantaged communities by developing skills in sports administration and leadership within the Department of Sport and Recreation. Along with this he also lectured part-time at the Business School and Sport Management Unit at the then Port Elizabeth Technikon and presented corporate team building activities.
Spies holds numerous qualifications from Nelson Mandela University and its former institutions, including a BA Honours in Human Movement Science, BTech and MTech in Business Administration, and a Master’s degree in Human Movement Science.
In 2006, he had a career trajectory to private education and training industries through management of training units and organisations. In 2014 he again diversified by gaining experience in the entrepreneurial environment by launching a business in the application and training of a world-renowned product in the construction industry.
Through his lifelong passion for interacting with individuals, his seasoned level of experience, and the desire to be the catalyst leading to people, organisations, teams, and communities becoming the best they can be, led Thomas to challenge himself by accomplishing an international training course in Practical Appreciative Inquiry and life and leadership coaching, which gave rise to the initiation of a Consultancy intending to function as a catalyst to positive change in people, organisations and communities.
In this Q&A Spies gives insight on his journey at Nelson Mandela University and how he became the Top Student of his course.
1. What inspired you to choose your qualification, and what drew you to this field of study?
Serving as part of a continuation of a journey that began 37 years ago. I completed my Human Movement Science degree at the University of Pretoria in 1989, my Honours in Human Movement Science at UPE in 1992, and an MBA at the Port Elizabeth Technikon in 1998. I only returned to register for my master’s at Nelson Mandela University in 2022, completing it in 2025.
Thomas was drawn to Human Movement Science with what initially started as a fascination with wellness through physical activity, that later became expanded through further knowledge and experience with the management of organisations and people, and later on in his career the in-depth interest that positive thinking and strength-based models play in bringing about meaningful change – both in individuals and in organisations.
2. Were you involved in any extracurricular activities, student organisations, leadership roles, volunteering, or community initiatives during your time at the University? If so, how did these experiences shape you?
Spies began working in 1991 while continuing his studies in Port-Elizabeth as a part- time student. It did not give him much time to take part in student organisations or other campus activities at the time, because he put his focus into building his career while keeping up with his academics as well.
3. As a Faculty Top Student, how did you balance your academic responsibilities with your personal life, work, or other commitments?
I was already working as an independent consultant when I began my master’s research. My dissertation grew directly out of that consulting work, applying Appreciative Inquiry — a strength-based model for driving positive change in organisations — with a specific focus on sport organisations.
Rather than competing for time, Thomas’ academic work and professional commitments were deeply intertwined, and that connection became his greatest source of motivation.
My two daughters are grown and living their own lives now, so that responsibility had already eased. In truth, I don't experience my personal life, work, and academic life as separate spheres — all three are united by the same passion: being part of the solution that brings positive change to people, communities, and organisations.
4. Now that you've completed your qualification, what are your career aspirations, and how do you hope to make an impact in your profession or community?
My research confirmed the powerful, positive effect that Appreciative Inquiry can have — a form of change our country and its organisations need now more than ever. Too often, we're conditioned to view work and community life through the lens of problems to be solved, rather than asking what already gives life and energy to our communities and organisations and building on that.
Thomas has most recently completed his Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) a complement to this qualification as a practical tool for helping individuals and organisations unlock their potential and make room for growth.
5. What does being recognised as your Faculty's Top Student mean to you?
It’s an incredible honour. One that affirms the connection between passion and purpose, which serves as a confirmation that I am living out what I was destined to do.
6. What advice or words of encouragement would you like to share with current and future Nelson Mandela University students?
Never stop reinventing yourself. Keep searching for that calling — the place where passion meets purpose. Never let age be a limiting factor. Keep going and always get up after life pushes you down.
The journey of Thomas Spies is proof that you should never limit yourself to anything that feels impossible. Like our great leader said, “It always seems impossible, until its done.” – Nelson Mandela
Written by: Georgia Van Rooyen