A forthcoming book celebrating the life and legacy of liberation struggle veteran and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) honorary doctorate recipient Dr Tlou Theophilus Cholo will preserve an important chapter of South Africa’s history while helping students facing financial and other hardships.

Born on 20 October 1925, Dr Cholo celebrated his 101st birthday this week, marking more than a century of a life rooted in service to humanity. His book, Dr TT Cholo: A Centennial Celebration of a Hero Who Almost Remained Unseen, co-authored by TUT journalism alumni Shalate Davhana and Malesela Maubane, brings together stories they previously published in mainstream media about Dr Cholo’s life, his contribution to the liberation struggle and his reflections on issues affecting society.

The publication explores his perspectives on unemployment, education, workers’ rights, corruption and broader socioeconomic and environmental challenges, offering readers insight into the experiences and views of a man whose contribution the authors believe deserves greater recognition.

For Davhana, the book goes beyond preserving history. It also seeks to promote the spirit of Ubuntu, collective responsibility and giving back. Proceeds from book sales will go towards the TUT Alumni Fund, which supports students facing financial and other hardships.

Through the publication, the authors hope to encourage readers to invest in young people and help create opportunities for future generations. A QR code included in the book directs readers to the donation site, where they can contribute to the fund. “We bring our work together in one publication to ensure that Dr Cholo’s contribution remains accessible to future generations,” said Davhana.

Maubane’s contribution included researching relevant material and retracing Dr Cholo’s journey to Mmakala Village in Limpopo and Lennes Primary School. “This research highlights important parts of Cholo’s life while reinforcing the importance of preserving community history and passing its lessons on to future generations,” he said.

At his home in Soshanguve, Dr Cholo reflected on the secret to his longevity, attributing his remarkable 101 years to making good decisions. The occasion became even more memorable when he held the master copy of the book for the first time and proudly autographed it ahead of its official launch.

Through the publication, Davhana and Maubane have connected the preservation of South Africa’s liberation history with a commitment to supporting the next generation. Dr Cholo’s legacy is therefore not only preserved through the story of his contribution to the country but also channelled towards creating opportunities for students and encouraging a culture of giving among alumni and broader society.

TUT awarded Dr Cholo an honorary doctorate in Humanities in October 2018 in recognition of his lifelong dedication to social justice and South Africa’s liberation.

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What began as a leap of faith has developed into a promising career for Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) alumna Rolivhuwa Tshisevhe, whose decision to study Financial Information Systems (FIS) has opened doors she once never imagined possible.

Inspired by her brother to pursue a career in IT auditing, Tshisevhe enrolled for FIS despite initially having limited knowledge of what the field entailed. Looking back, she describes the decision as one of the best decisions she has made in her life.

Her recent appointment as Director of Marketing and Communications at the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) South Africa marks a significant milestone in her professional journey and provides her with a platform to contribute to the development of current and aspiring professionals.

Originally from Dzimauli in Venda, Tshisevhe began her professional journey as an intern before progressing to her current position as a Third-Party Assurance Specialist. She credits TUT with providing the academic foundation and practical knowledge that have helped her navigate the professional environment.

She said the industry-focused knowledge she gained at the University, particularly in information systems, data analytics, governance, risk management and auditing, continues to support her in her daily responsibilities.

“Looking back, my time at TUT prepared me exceptionally well for my professional career. Studying FIS gave me a strong balance between business, auditing and technology, which provided me with a well-rounded understanding of how organisations operate and how technology supports business objectives,” she said.

Driven by a desire to contribute to the growth of young professionals, Tshisevhe joined ISACA to share her knowledge, expand her professional network and remain connected to developments in the industry.

“I want to become more involved in the community. Joining ISACA gave me the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, stay informed about industry developments, contribute to the profession, and give back by supporting the growth and development of current and future professionals,” she said.

Through her leadership role at ISACA South Africa, Tshisevhe hopes to use her growing professional network to engage key stakeholders and help create opportunities for graduates and young professionals entering the industry.

Her journey from a TUT Financial Information Systems student to an industry professional and ISACA South Africa leader demonstrates how an academic foundation, professional ambition and a commitment to giving back can create opportunities for continued growth.

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By Dr. Nana Akaeze .

The Awake Voice

This is my voice. This is my belief.

Nigeria does not lack higher institutions.

Nigeria lacks the leadership courage to make many of those institutions globally respected.

According to the National Universities Commission, Nigeria now has more than 300 universities, including federal, state, and private universities. The NUC’s current public data shows 69 state universities and 182 private universities, with federal universities making up the rest.

The National Board for Technical Education data also shows hundreds of technical and vocational institutions, including 355 polytechnics in its dashboard with over 200 accredited colleges of education.

What are WE waiting for.

So the question is no longer whether Nigeria has institutions.

The question is whether those institutions are being led in a way the world can take seriously.

Every year, Nigerian parents struggle to send their children abroad for education. UNESCO data reported by WENR shows that about 146,286 Nigerian higher education students were studying abroad in 2023 and #’s continue to grow. This is not just student mobility. It is a message.

It means many families still believe that foreign institutions offer what Nigerian institutions should be offering at home.

Stability, credibility, quality, order, respect for time, research culture, and global recognition.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has also shown the economic weight of this problem. CBN data cited in reports stated that Nigerians spent about $28.65 billion on foreign education between 2010 and 2020. In the first half of 2023 alone, Nigerians reportedly spent $896 09 million on foreign education.

Think about that!

Let us pause there.

If even half of that ten-year foreign education spending had been invested seriously in Nigerian higher education, that would be more than $14 billion going into laboratories, libraries, digital classrooms, research grants, faculty development, student housing, technology, global partnerships, and better pay for lecturers.

Imagine what $14 billion could do if properly managed.

Imagine the jobs. Imagine the research centers. Imagine the scholarship funds.

Imagine the modern classrooms.

Imagine foreign students coming to Nigeria, instead of Nigerian families draining their savings to send children abroad.

What are WE doing. We need a change of Mindset. Put the right people in charge.

Embrace change and facilitate accountability.

So, money alone will not solve the problem.

Leadership must change.

Nigeria must stop placing people in higher education leadership because of politics, loyalty, ethnicity, religion, friendship, or entitlement.

Qualified candidates must lead. Visionary candidates must lead. People who understand research, technology, global ranking, funding, faculty welfare, student experience, and international collaboration must lead.

A university cannot rise above the quality of its leadership. That’s why we hear of Fake Professors leading some Nigerian institutions.

How come?

New ideas are resisted. Digital systems are delayed. Diaspora scholars are ignored. Alumni are underused. Parents are treated only as fee payers. Private-sector partnerships are not pursued seriously.

That must stop.

Parents, alumni, community leaders, businesse and professional bodies must begin to contribute to institutional development.

Nigerian higher education cannot depend on government alone. Great universities across the world are built through a combination of public funding, private giving, alumni endowments, research grants, industry partnerships, and visionary leadership.

But people will not give to systems they do not trust.

That is why transparency matters.

That is why leadership matters.

That is why accountability matters.

If Nigerian institutions want the world to take them seriously, they must become serious themselves.

Pay lecturers better. Reward research.

Stop outdated recruitment practices.

Appoint qualified leaders.

Protect academic calendars...

Publish financial reports.

Listen to new ideas.

Build institutions that can compete.

Since Nigeria has the population. Nigeria has the talent. Nigeria has the diaspora. Nigeria has the money.

What Nigeria needs now is sustainable, receptive change.

Stop politicizing institutions, and receruit qualified people to lead.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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For more than three decades his distinctive voice has helped South Africans make sense of politics, democracy and a changing nation. Now veteran broadcaster and media personality Tim Modise will receive an honorary doctorate from the North-West University (NWU).

The university will confer the honorary doctorate on Modise during a special ceremony at the Great Hall on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus on Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 10:00.

Timothy Molefe “Tim” Modise is regarded as one of South Africa’s pioneering broadcasters and public communicators. His 30-year career in radio and television has closely followed the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy.

Modise started his broadcasting career as a sound technician at Radio 702. He later became a music DJ before moving into radio presenting, news and current affairs journalism and political broadcasting.

Over the years he has worked across some of South Africa’s leading broadcast platforms, including the SABC, eNCA, Business Day TV, 702, SAfm, Metro FM, Soweto TV and M-Net’s Carte Blanche. He has also worked with BBC Radio and Radio Bop and helped launch Power FM.

Public dialogue and political tolerance

His contribution has extended well beyond the broadcasting studio. Modise has moderated major public policy discussions and facilitated debates involving political leaders, business executives, academics, economists, artists and other influential South Africans.

During South Africa’s political transition in the 1990s, Modise used broadcasting to promote public dialogue, political tolerance and greater understanding. He interviewed political leaders across the spectrum and helped audiences navigate some of the defining debates of the period.

One of the highlights of his broadcasting career came in 1994 when he served as a panellist during the nationally televised debate between Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk. The debate was carried internationally through broadcasters including CNN, the BBC and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and reached a global audience.

Modise has continued to promote informed public debate, active citizenship, social cohesion and democratic participation. His work has covered issues ranging from politics and governance to the economy, education, health, labour and nation-building.

His contribution to public life has also included serving as the founding chairperson of Proudly South African and as chief communications officer for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee.

His broadcasting and communication work has earned him several honours. These include being named SABC Broadcaster of the Year in 1991 and being inducted into the South African Radio Hall of Fame in 2011. He also received a Reconciliation Award conferred by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and an international human rights award from the Jaime Brunet Foundation in Spain.

“The honorary doctorate from the NWU recognises Modise’s distinguished contribution to South African broadcasting, public communication and democratic discourse, and his longstanding role in creating spaces for informed national conversation.,” said Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe,the deputy dean of teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities.

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What began as the pursuit of an undergraduate diploma in 2008 has culminated in a remarkable academic milestone for Dr Mphihleng Pleasure Magoro, whose journey at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has come full circle. From student to lecturer and now doctoral graduate, his story is a testament of perseverance, mentorship and the transformative power of higher education.

Dr Mphihleng Pleasure Magoro is a Lecturer in the Department of Public Management in the Faculty of Humanities. He obtained his Doctor of Public Affairs degree during the Spring Graduation Ceremony on 5 October at the Tshwane University of Technology.

Dr Magoro recently obtained his Doctor of Public Affairs degree during TUT’s Spring Graduation Ceremony, marking the pinnacle of a journey that has been deeply intertwined with the institution for nearly two decades.

After enrolling at TUT in 2008, he progressed through his postgraduate studies before joining the Department of Public Management as a lecturer. Reflecting on his path, he describes TUT as an institution he arrived at as a student and never truly left.

The decision to embark on doctoral studies was initially encouraged by his supervisors, Professors John N. Molepo and Mashupye H. Maserumule, whose belief in his potential ultimately set him on the path to achieving the highest academic qualification.

Balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of doctoral research proved challenging. Between teaching, research and administrative duties, there were moments when the workload seemed overwhelming. However, the unwavering support of his supervisors, colleagues, family and friends helped him remain focused on determination to succeed.

Dr Magoro credits much of his success to the guidance and encouragement of Professors Molepo and Maserumule, whose mentorship extended beyond academic supervision. Their confidence in his abilities, coupled with intellectual support and motivation, played a vital role in helping him navigate the demanding doctoral journey.

Equally important was the camaraderie shared with fellow graduates and colleagues, who celebrated milestones together and provided encouragement during difficult periods. Family and friends also offered the emotional support that sustained him through the most challenging stages of his studies.

Beyond the qualification itself, the doctoral experience transformed his understanding of academia and supervision. Inspired by the mentorship he received, Dr Magoro became involved in supporting postgraduate students and is now exploring opportunities to contribute more extensively to doctoral supervision.

One particularly memorable moment came during a period of self-doubt when he considered withdrawing from the programme. Words of encouragement from Professor Molepo reminded him of the broader significance of his achievement, not only for himself but also as a symbol of possibility for others.

That perspective strengthened his resolve and reinforced a powerful lesson: academic success is about more than personal accomplishment. It is about representation, inspiration and demonstrating what is possible for future generations.

For Dr Magoro, obtaining a doctorate is not the end of an academic journey but the beginning of a new chapter. He is already engaged in discussions around doctoral supervision and future research publications, while continuing to contribute through teaching, research and scholarship in public management.

His message to current and future TUT students is simple yet profound: “where you begin does not determine how far you can go.”

Today, Dr Magoro stands as a proud example of TUT’s ability to nurture talent from student enrolment to academic leadership. Having completed the journey from student to lecturer and now doctoral graduate at the same institution, he is proof that dedication, resilience and support can turn aspirations into achievement.

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The North-West University (NWU) community is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary South African musician, composer and esteemed NWU Chancellor’s Award recipient Bernard “Babsy” Mlangeni, who died on 1 October 2026 at the age of 83.

In 2012, the NWU’s Mafikeng Campus proudly bestowed its prestigious Chancellor’s Medal on Mlangeni. The university recognised not only his monumental career spanning six decades as a pioneer of South African music, but also his profound dedication to human rights, social justice and public education through his art.

Reflecting on his legacy, Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, extended his heartfelt condolences: “Babsy Mlangeni was a true giant who refused to let societal or physical barriers limit his extraordinary destiny.

“By breaking through the structural walls of the apartheid era and paving the way for visually impaired creatives, he embodied the very spirit of excellence and resilience that we strive to foster at the NWU. His lyrics were a tool for social cohesion and public education. We honour a transformative icon who left an indelible footprint on our campus and our country.”

Mlangeni’s relationship with the NWU remained a source of immense pride for the institution. His presence on campus during the 2012 graduation ceremonies served as a masterclass in perseverance for thousands of young graduates, demonstrating that determination can overcome adversity.

As a premier institution of higher learning, the NWU celebrates Mlangeni’s life as a testament to the power of using one’s unique talents to uplift humanity. The university extends its deepest condolences to the Mlangeni family, his friends, his colleagues in the music industry and the millions of South Africans who danced to the rhythms of his iconic hits, such as Sala Emma and Bua Nnete. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

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In a proud moment for the Tshwane University of Technology, Dr Given Selowa graduates today with his Doctor of Education (EdD) at the age of 33, crowning a remarkable journey that began when he first joined the university as a student in 2013.

Dr Selowa’s achievement forms part of the university’s Spring Graduation, which commenced today, 5 October 2026. His decade-long path from award-winning undergraduate to respected lecturer and now doctoral graduate stands as a powerful example of home-grown academic excellence.

Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Selowa said:
“Receiving my Doctor of Education today is both humbling and deeply meaningful. TUT has been my academic home since 2013, and every award, every classroom moment, and every challenge has shaped me into the educator and researcher I am today. I am proud to give back to the same institution that believed in me from the very beginning.”

From the outset, Dr Selowa’s undergraduate years were marked by an unprecedented streak of individual excellence. He earned the Best First-Year Student award in 2013, Best Second-Year Student in 2014, and both Best Third-Year and Best Overall Student awards in 2015.

That same year, he received the Dean’s Award as Best National Diploma Student and the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal as the Best Graduate in the Faculty. He completed his B-Tech studies by claiming the Best B-Tech Student award in 2016.

These early achievements laid the foundation for a seamless transition into academia. As a full-time lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundation, Dr Selowa carried the same standard of excellence into the classroom. He was named Faculty Lecturer of the Year for 2019/2020 and later received two Merit Awards for Lecturer of the Year (2020/2021 and 2023/2024).

His scholarly impact continues to grow. Following a national conference presentation, his doctoral research in Physical Education has already secured two peer-reviewed journal publications scheduled for September and December 2026.

As he turns 33 this November, TUT proudly celebrates a home-bred scholar whose journey-from award-winning student to influential educator and emerging researcher—continues to shape the future of education in South Africa.

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Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has urged University of Fort Hare graduates to see their education as more than a qualification, challenging them to use what they have learned in the service of society.

Receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, at UFH’s Spring Graduation in Alice on Saturday, Justice Madlanga told the 395 graduates that the true measure of a university education lies not only in what happens within its walls, but in what its graduates go on to do with their knowledge.

“A university’s influence is thus measured not only by what happens within its walls, but also by what its graduates go on to imagine, create, and contribute beyond the university itself,” he said.

He said universities have a responsibility to produce graduates who can think critically, question prevailing assumptions and contribute to solving society’s problems.

“They cannot merely be repositories of knowledge, but institutions of foresight, imagination, and societal problem-solving.”

A university’s influence, he said, is ultimately measured by what its graduates go on to do.

Justice Madlanga’s reflections were also personal.

During his long leave from the Constitutional Court, he spent time at UFH as a visiting professor teaching constitutional law.

He arrived expecting to share what his years in legal practice and on the bench had taught him.

“What I did not anticipate was how much I would learn in return,” he said.

He recalled students who wanted to understand where legal principles came from, what they meant, and why they mattered.

Their questioning, he said, reminded him that studying law was not simply about acquiring technical skills but about cultivating sound judgment.

“When my teaching stint came to an end, I left Fort Hare deeply inspired and profoundly hopeful, hopeful for our future,” he said.

That experience later found expression in the achievements of UFH law students like Babalwa Mofokeng and Christian Buthelezi, who distinguished themselves at the Constitutional Court during the Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition in 2025 before representing Africa at the Price Media Law Moot Court Competition at Oxford University.

Justice Madlanga said their achievement illustrated the importance of opportunity. “Talent has never been confined to particular institutions, provinces, or communities. What has too often been unevenly distributed is opportunity,” he said.

“When opportunity is matched with talent, excellence has an extraordinary way of revealing itself. That is why institutions such as Fort Hare matter.”

This question of opportunity brought Justice Madlanga to one of the central topic of his address: what it really means to have access to higher education.

He acknowledged the expansion of access as one of the enduring achievements of South Africa’s constitutional democracy but cautioned against confusing admission with fulfilment.

A student may gain entry to university, he said, while still struggling to access the knowledge, resources and opportunities necessary to succeed.

Drawing on the concept of “epistemic access”, he said meaningful access requires an environment in which students can participate, understand, learn and succeed.

He pointed to libraries, laboratories, lecture halls, residences and digital resources, as well as financial insecurity and institutional support, as factors that can determine whether formal access becomes meaningful.

“The question, therefore, cannot simply be: How many young people have been allowed into our universities?” he said.

“We must also ask: What have we enabled them to do once they are there? How have we empowered them to give meaning to their presence at the universities?”

Justice Madlanga expressed his gratitude to UFH for the honorary doctorate, acknowledging his late parents, family, teachers, law lecturers, colleagues in academia, legal practice and on the bench, friends and others who had shaped his journey.

He said an honorary doctorate was more than a personal accolade.

“In this latter sense, the honor is not only historical; it is an exhortation for sustained service for the public good,”

Council Chairperson Dr Siyanda Makaula said the honour recognised more than Justice Madlanga’s individual achievements.

“It recognises not merely what an individual has learned, but what humanity has gained through that individual’s contribution,” said Dr Makaula.

He said Madlanga’s journey from the rural Eastern Cape to the Constitutional Court represented extraordinary intellectual achievement, but that it was what he had done with the authority entrusted to him that distinguished his contribution.

“Through your jurisprudence, you have defended human dignity, constitutional rights and institutional independence. Through your leadership and your continuing public service, you have demonstrated that the pursuit of justice does not end with judicial office.”

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Mzukisi Njotini said the honour also spoke to what UFH wanted its students and scholars to value.

“When a university chooses whom it honours, it also says something about itself,” Prof Njotini said.

“It identifies the qualities it wishes its students to admire, the principles it wishes its scholars to defend, and the kind of society it hopes its graduates will help to build.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Associate Professor Matshepo Matoane, said Justice Madlanga’s life demonstrated the relationship between knowledge, conscience and service.

“History remembers those who exercise power. But humanity remembers those who exercise conscience,” Prof Matoane said.

“For Justice Madlanga, the law has never been merely an intellectual exercise. It is an instrument through which the dignity of the individual confronts the authority of institutions,” she said.

She said his continuing public service offered an important example at a time when public confidence in institutions is repeatedly tested.

“At a time when public confidence in institutions is repeatedly tested, his continuing willingness to answer the call of public service offers something our society desperately needs: the possibility of hope grounded in principle,” she said.

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Some families produce one exceptional student. The Bongwes have produced three. Bongiwe (29), Sazi (23) and Menzi (19) have each carved out their places at some of the world’s most competitive universities - from Georgetown to Harvard and now Oxford - an unusually consistent run of academic achievement for siblings from the same family.

It’s a story that traces back to their father, Stanley Bongwe, and the scholarship that took him to the United States in the late 80s.

“It’s one thing to help an exceptional student get into a top university. It’s another to see three siblings from the same household do it, one after another - and rarer still to find a father who paved that path himself, studying overseas a generation before them,” says Brad Latilla-Campbell, Country Manager at Crimson Education, a global mentorship company that helps students like the Bongwes gain admission to the Ivy League, Oxbridge and other top universities worldwide.

Stanley didn’t come from privilege. Long before his children would go on to study at Harvard and Oxford, he was a boy from rural Mpumalanga, a long way from the world he too would one day study in.

When a full academic scholarship gave him the chance to leave, he took it - immersing himself in a completely new country and culture that changed the course of his life and proved to him that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you end up. It’s a lesson he made a point of passing on to his own children.

“I told my children from an early age: you’ve got a better opportunity than I did, and I’m going to make sure you take it,” says Stanley. “When I applied for my own scholarship, I had to figure the entire process out on my own.

“My younger two had Crimson in their corner to guide them through it, and between that support and years of hard work at school, the results speak for themselves. What makes me proudest isn’t just where my children ended up, but everything it took to get there - nobody hands you an international qualification, you earn it.”

For Stanley, the return on his own overseas education was never just the degree; it was the outlook it gave him. Watching his children go on to earn that same kind of opportunity, he sees it reflected in each of them - confident, connected, and equipped to move through the world, yet none of them losing sight of where they’re from, or who they are.

It’s that balance between ambition and identity that Stanley encourages other South African families to aim for - and one of his children have shown in practice. “What I wanted to give them wasn’t just belief in themselves, it was proof you don’t lose yourself chasing something bigger,” says Stanley.

“That’s shown up in all three of them, in different ways, on different continents, but it always comes back to knowing exactly where home is. I proved it was possible once. Now they’re proving it again.”

Crimson Education’s admissions and application counselling model connects students with the world’s top tutors and mentors, providing tailored support to help them reach their personal education and career goals. For more information, visit www.crimsoneducation.org/za

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• Dr Dolly Nontuthuzelo Nyasulu (82) has graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

• Her study explored the potential of involving families more meaningfully in the care of mothers and newborns.

At the remarkable age of 82, Dr Dolly Nontuthuzelo Nyasulu has graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), proving that age is no barrier to learning and the pursuit of a lifelong dream.

“I feel incredibly good and very excited,” said Nyasulu. “I still can’t believe that I have made it to the finish line. It has been such a long journey, with many challenges along the way, so reaching this point feels very special to me.”

Nyasulu’s doctoral study, ‘A Family-Centred Postnatal Care Approach (FCPC) in Rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa’, explored the potential of involving families more meaningfully in the care of mothers and newborns.

The study was supervised by Professor Myra Taylor and Dr Nelisiwe Khuzwayo. Her research was informed by decades of experience in nursing, midwifery, maternal and newborn health, education and healthcare policy.

At the heart of her research is the concept of family-centred postnatal care, an approach in which family members work collaboratively with healthcare providers, including midwives, to care for mothers and their newborns. Midwives and other key informants responded positively to the approach and offered suggestions for strengthening family involvement even before the birth of a baby is born.

Nyasulu believes that successful implementation of family-centred care could help strengthen the continuum of maternal and newborn care and potentially contribute to saving the lives of mothers and babies. While family-centred care is not a new concept internationally, she notes that it has not yet been fully implemented within South Africa’s healthcare system.

Born in King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, Nyasulu is the eldest of nine children. Her professional journey began with general nursing, followed by midwifery, psychiatric nursing, advanced midwifery and neonatal nursing. She later completed a Bachelor of Nursing Degree in Community Health Nursing and Nursing Administration and a Clinical Master’s in Nursing specialising in Maternal, Child and Women’s Health.

Her passion began with her nursing training at Livingstone Hospital in Port Elizabeth in 1964. She was fascinated by the stories shared by midwives who travelled to women’s homes to deliver babies. These births involved entire families, with relatives participating in different ways to support the mother and the midwife.

Those experiences left a lasting impression on the young nurse and inspired her to specialise in midwifery. “This study feels like a full-circle moment for me,” she said, having spent decades studying and practising midwifery before returning to the importance of family involvement in childbirth and maternal care.

Her career has included serving as KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Maternal, Child and Women’s Health Coordinator and working on initiatives focused on maternal and newborn health. She has also contributed to midwifery education, healthcare policy and the development of national and provincial maternal and newborn care guidelines.

Her PhD studies were marked by significant personal challenges. During her studies, Nyasulu lost her daughter in 2019, followed by two brothers and, a few years later, her husband, Guy, who had been her greatest supporter. She also faced health challenges and had to adapt to the technological demands of postgraduate study.

Yet, with the support of her family and supervisors, she persevered. “In many ways, I feel that I did not walk this journey alone,” she said. “There were people around me who carried me when I no longer felt I could carry myself.”

Her determination was also inspired by her parents’ belief in education and the encouragement of her late brother, Professor Leonard Vuyani Mabinya, who motivated her to pursue studies beyond a master’s degree.

Now retired but still open to new opportunities, Nyasulu remains passionate about contributing to maternal, newborn and women’s health. Her extraordinary academic achievement adds another chapter to a lifetime dedicated to serving mothers, babies, families and healthcare professionals.

At 82, she graduated not only with a PhD, but with a powerful message to future generations: it is never too late to learn, to persevere and to make a meaningful contribution to society.

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Visitors to the TUT Arts Festival are stopping to admire the striking ceramic artworks on display, but behind the beautifully crafted pieces stands an artist whose life story is as remarkable as the work he creates.

At 58, Phineas Makhwiting, a part-time lecturer in the Department of Fine and Studio Arts within the Faculty of Arts and Design, has spent years proving that determination and passion can overcome even the greatest challenges. A ceramics specialist who teaches senior students, Makhwiting lost his left arm as a child, yet today effortlessly works behind a pottery wheel and continues to inspire students and visitors alike.

Makhwiting obtained a B Tech degree in Fine Arts from TUT in 2010 and has since become a respected ceramic artist whose work is regularly exhibited. His unique creations are often commissioned as special gifts for high-profile guests and are instantly recognisable through their distinctive style and craftsmanship.

His journey began with a tragic accident while he was still in school.

Recalling the incident, Makhwiting explained that he was playing soccer with friends when he tripped and broke his arm just above the wrist. Complications followed, including severe swelling and gangrene, leaving doctors with no option but to amputate the arm to save his life.

He spent two years in hospital undergoing intensive therapy and adjusting to life with a disability.

“I remember when I woke up, I was screaming that I wanted my arm back,” he said.

Looking back, however, he believes his experience was part of a greater purpose.

“Now if I think of it, it happened for a reason that God planned. He uses me as an example for the nation,” he reflected.

“When people see me work now, they start to believe that anything is possible, especially the students that I teach.”

Far from allowing his disability to define him, Makhwiting has turned it into a source of inspiration. Watching him shape clay on a pottery wheel, it becomes clear that he has mastered techniques that many would consider impossible with one arm.

Asked whether he faces challenges in his work, Makhwiting offered a simple response.

“I see none. I have been operating like this for most of my life.”

TUT ceramics lecturer Phineas Makhwiting demonstrates his craft at the pottery wheel. Despite losing his left arm as a child, he has mastered the art of ceramics and continues to inspire students through his resilience, skill and expert teaching.His positive outlook is evident in both his teaching and his artistic practice. He describes the defining characteristics of his work as “quality and form,” while many of his creations also draw on cultural influences.

“Most of my work has a cultural element in its designs, mostly a combination of cultures,” he explained.

For Makhwiting, exhibiting at the TUT Arts Festival provides an opportunity to connect with a broader audience and share his work with the public.

“It is great to be part of the festival, exposing myself to visitors,” he said.

Despite his achievements, Makhwiting remains focused on the future. His dream is to see his work gain even greater recognition in the art world and reach wider audiences.

Beyond the studio, he is a devoted family man. He is married to Ernie, a chef, and together they have a daughter, Lerato, who is still at school.

His impact extends far beyond the ceramics workshop. Students speak of a lecturer whose expertise, encouragement and resilience have profoundly shaped their own artistic journeys.

Reabetswe Malete, a third-year Fine Arts student specialising in ceramics, admits that she was initially curious when she first met Makhwiting.

“At first, I thought, ‘Who is this guy?’ Later, when we started working on a ceramics project, I thought to myself, ‘How is a person with only one arm able to do this and I’m struggling with two?’”

She said his classes quickly became lessons not only in ceramics, but also in perseverance.

“He taught me a lot about clay and that to achieve success you must connect with the medium. He also shares tips and tricks.”

According to Malete, Makhwiting’s knowledge and teaching ability are exceptional.

“He provides expert-level teaching.”

Over time, the relationship developed into something much deeper than that of lecturer and student.

“For me, he is more than family, almost a father figure rather than a lecturer. That's why I don't call him sir, but Malome."

©Higher Education Media Services.

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In our ongoing Role Model series, ednews.africa continues to celebrate women whose journeys show young girls that success is not defined by a straight line, but by courage, curiosity and the willingness to keep learning.

Mushfiqoh Samodien’s story begins in Athlone, Cape Town, where traditional expectations often shaped young women’s futures. Yet even as she navigated those norms, she learned early that there is no single definition of a meaningful life, and no limit to what a girl from Surrey Estate can become.

Today, Mushfiqoh is the Business Director and co‑owner of Aspire Solutions, a leading custom software development company. Her path from graphic design apprentice to corporate professional, project manager, business analyst, technologist, and entrepreneur shows young women that every skill, every pivot, and every challenge can become part of a powerful toolkit. She leads with empathy, listens deeply, and builds technology that solves real problems for real people.

Beyond business, Mushfiqoh is driven by impact. Through Aspire’s youth academy and her newest venture, MiniBoss, she is helping young people build confidence, resilience and entrepreneurial thinking. Her message is simple but transformative: try, fail fast, learn, and try again. In a world where girls are often taught to fear mistakes, she teaches them to see experimentation as strength.

Mushfiqoh’s journey reminds us why representation matters. She shows girls that they belong in technology, leadership, entrepreneurship and every space where decisions are made. Her story is a beacon for young women across South Africa, proof that with curiosity, courage and continuous learning, they can build careers that change industries, uplift communities and shape the future.

Q&A

Early Days

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Cape Town and grew up in Athlone, specifically Surrey Estate.

Growing up in Athlone, the career choices you were exposed to could sometimes feel quite limited. Education was strongly advocated in my family and community, but at the same time, traditional ideas about women’s roles meant that being a stay-at-home mother was also considered a perfectly respectable path.

As a young woman of my generation, there was therefore this interesting balance: you were encouraged to have a profession and make something of yourself, while family and motherhood remained very important.

I think those different expectations influenced me more than I realised at the time. They ultimately taught me that there doesn’t have to be one definition of what a successful life or career looks like.

Which primary and high schools did you attend?

I started primary school in Gauteng, where I attended school until Grade 3. When we returned to Cape Town, I attended Surrey Primary School and later Plumstead High School.

What was life like growing up?

I grew up at a time when there was quite a lot of emphasis on choosing a recognised profession. The thinking was often: become a lawyer, doctor, accountant or choose another established profession.

Because your exposure was limited, you naturally made decisions based on what you could see around you.

I initially studied law. At the time, it made sense because it represented having a profession. However, I was already working and eventually made the practical decision not to finish because completing articles would have meant earning considerably less than I was already earning.

My career therefore started teaching me very early that life does not always follow the plan you had at 18.

One irony is that at school I always felt I should have taken History instead of Accounting. Years later, Accounting is probably one of the subjects that has served me best. As an entrepreneur and business leader, being comfortable with numbers and understanding the financial side of a business has been incredibly valuable.

Where did you study after school and what did you study?

My education has been a journey of continuous learning rather than one traditional academic path.

I initially studied law but did not complete it. I started my working career through an apprenticeship in graphic design and continued developing myself through accredited short courses and qualifications, including Project Management, Business Analysis and various technology accreditations.

Later in my career, I completed a Postgraduate qualification in Business Practice through the UCT Graduate School of Business.

That combination of formal education, practical experience and continuous professional development has probably been one of the greatest strengths of my career.

Are you married? Do you have children?

Yes. I have been married twice previously and am now married. I am also incredibly fortunate to be a mother of four—three beautiful daughters and a son.

Motherhood has been an important part of my journey and has certainly influenced how I think about leadership, opportunity, balance and the future we are creating for the next generation.

What are your hobbies and how do you relax?

My favourite thing is spending time with my family. I also enjoy keeping fit.

Business and entrepreneurship can be demanding, so both family time and fitness help me reset and create some balance.

How do you keep up with trends in your field?

I stay curious.

Technology and business move incredibly quickly, and today, with developments such as AI, that pace is only accelerating.

I read, engage with people across different industries, learn from clients, participate in business and technology networks and continuously expose myself to new thinking.

I also listen.

Listening has become one of my strongest capabilities because trends aren’t only found in reports or online. Sometimes the earliest indication that something is changing comes from listening to your customers, employees, young people and the problems organisations are trying to solve.

When did you first “start” in this career and what was that moment like?

My first real career opportunity was actually an apprenticeship in graphic design.

That surprises some people because today I am known primarily for business and technology.

But my career has never been a straight line.

I moved from graphic design into different business environments and continued adding skills and experience. I worked across corporate environments, including finance, FMCG, and oil and gas, and developed expertise in project management, business analysis, implementation, and technology.

Eventually, I started my own consulting agency as an implementation partner.

That journey taught me something I still believe strongly today: you don’t have to have your entire career figured out when you start.

Every experience can add something to your toolkit.

Career

What is your current job title?

I am the Business Director and co-owner of Aspire Solutions, a specialist custom software development company based in Cape Town.

I also serve as a Board Member of the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB) and am expanding my entrepreneurial focus into youth entrepreneurship through MiniBoss.

How long have you been in this role?

I have been part of Aspire Solutions for more than a decade.

Aspire itself has been operating for over 20 years, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of its growth and evolution.

Briefly describe what your job involves day-to-day.

My role is very diverse, which suits me because my career has always been diverse.

I focus on business strategy, growth, partnerships, client relationships and identifying opportunities where technology can solve meaningful business problems.

A large part of my role is also understanding people.

Technology is only useful when it solves the right problem and works for the people who need to use it. So my day might involve a strategic client conversation, developing a new partnership, reviewing a solution, supporting our team, looking at commercial opportunities or thinking about how we develop the next generation of talent.

Where are you based?

I am based in Cape Town, South Africa, although our work, partnerships and networks extend beyond Cape Town.

What do you love most about your job?

The diversity.

I love solving problems, meeting people and seeing an idea become something tangible.

But increasingly, what gives me the most satisfaction is impact.

It is seeing a business improve because of something we’ve implemented, watching someone on our team grow, or seeing a young person gain confidence because somebody gave them an opportunity.

How did you get into this line of work?

After my corporate career, I opened my own consulting agency and worked as an implementation partner.

Through that work, Mike and I joined forces on a project.

The rest, as they say, is history.

That initial collaboration eventually developed into the partnership we have at Aspire Solutions today.

We’ve built something that we are incredibly proud of—not only because of the technology and solutions we’ve delivered, but because of the people and opportunities that have developed around the business.

Was this always your dream career?

No, and I think that’s important for young people to hear.

I initially studied law. I started my working career in graphic design. I then moved through corporate environments, consulting, project management, business analysis and technology before becoming an entrepreneur and business owner.

My career has been about diversification.

Graphic design taught me creativity. Business analysis taught me to understand problems. Project management taught me execution. Corporate life taught me structure and discipline. Technology gave me another way to solve problems. Entrepreneurship taught me resilience.

Today, I use all of those skills.

So your first career choice does not have to define the rest of your life.

What have been some highlights so far?

Becoming a co-owner and Business Director of Aspire Solutions and helping build the company into what it is today is something I am very proud of.

Aspire has also evolved beyond software delivery into talent development and social impact, including a self-funded academy supporting young people from high school into professional technology careers.

I’ve also been fortunate to receive recognition, including Standard Bank Top Woman in Tech, Inspiring 50, Panache Woman of Wonder Trailblazer, the FAB Woman Award for Resilience, 50 Under 50 Global Future Female Founder and the CEO Achievement Alley Business Leadership Award.

But some of my greatest highlights are not awards.

They are the people we’ve developed, the young people we’ve helped create opportunities for and the relationships that have remained with me throughout my career.

Challenges

What are the best parts of the job?

The ability to create, solve problems and make an impact.

Entrepreneurship also gives you an opportunity to build something that reflects your values.

For me, that increasingly means building successful businesses while also asking how we develop people, create opportunities and contribute positively to society.

What are some of the challenges?

Entrepreneurship comes with enormous responsibility.

You are responsible for employees, clients, cash flow, decisions and ultimately the sustainability of the business.

Technology also changes rapidly, so you have to keep learning and adapting.

There will be failures and difficult periods. What matters is learning quickly, adjusting and trying again.

What type of personality suits this career?

Someone who is curious, adaptable, resilient and willing to listen.

You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room.

One of the most valuable capabilities I have developed is listening. When you genuinely listen to people, you understand problems differently.

You also need to be comfortable not knowing everything. Entrepreneurship and technology require constant learning.

Is it well-paying? Are there good benefits?

Technology can be a financially rewarding industry, but I wouldn’t encourage a young person to choose it purely because they believe they will earn a lot of money.

Develop valuable skills. Learn how to solve problems. Understand business. Become someone who can create value.

The financial opportunities tend to follow.

Can you work in other countries with this qualification?

Yes. Many technology, business analysis, project management and digital skills are transferable internationally.

Technology has also made it possible to work with organisations and teams across borders without necessarily relocating.

What education or training is needed?

There isn’t one pathway.

My own journey demonstrates that.

I’ve learned through an apprenticeship, accredited short courses, Project Management, Business Analysis, technology accreditations, practical experience and eventually postgraduate business studies.

Depending on the career you choose, you could enter through university, a university of technology, a coding academy, professional certification, internships or other practical programmes.

Which matric subjects help?

Mathematics and technology-related subjects can certainly help, but I would also include Accounting.

Ironically, Accounting was the subject I thought I didn’t need. I would have preferred History!

Today, as a business owner, Accounting has worked enormously in my favour. Understanding numbers, costs, margins, budgets and the financial health of a business is incredibly important.

Communication subjects are also valuable because no matter how technical your role becomes, you still need to communicate with people.

How long does training take, and is it expensive?

It depends on the route you choose.

A degree may take several years, while accredited programmes, certifications and practical training can be considerably shorter.

Today there are also many more accessible ways to learn.

What is important is not to think that your education ends once you receive a qualification. My career has involved learning continuously.

Do you need ongoing training throughout your career?

Absolutely.

I have continued studying and developing new skills throughout my career.

Technology changes, industries change and business changes.

Continuous learning has allowed me to move from graphic design to corporate business, project management, business analysis, consulting, technology and entrepreneurship.

Are bursaries, loans or scholarships available?

Yes. Various bursaries, scholarships, and funding programmes are available through educational institutions, corporates, government initiatives, and industry programmes.

My advice is to research widely and apply. Don’t automatically assume an opportunity isn’t available to you.

Where can one study for this career?

There are many routes through South African universities, universities of technology, private institutions, coding academies and professional accreditation bodies.

The important question isn’t only “Where should I study?”

Also ask:

“What skills will I leave with, and can I practically apply them?”

What should a young person do first if they want to follow this path?

Start.

Don’t wait until everything is perfect.

Learn something. Build something. Try something. Find a problem and think about how you could solve it.

And don’t be frightened of getting it wrong.

That philosophy is also central to what we’re developing through MiniBoss: fail fast, learn and never be afraid to try again.

Advice for the Young at Heart

What advice would you give someone thinking about this career?

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have your entire life mapped out at 18.

I certainly didn’t.

Your career may change several times, and that isn’t necessarily failure—it can be growth.

Keep developing your skills, remain curious, listen to people and don’t be afraid to diversify.

Most importantly, don’t let fear of failure stop you from starting.

Is there a shortage of people in this field in SA or globally?

There's still a need for skilled people in technology and related fields.

But I believe we also need people who can combine technical ability with business understanding, communication, creativity and emotional intelligence.

Technology can build a solution. Understanding people helps ensure you’re building the right solution.

What other similar jobs exist in your industry?

The industry is incredibly broad.

There are careers in software development, business analysis, project management, data, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, product management, UX/UI design, digital transformation, consulting, sales, strategy and entrepreneurship.

And new careers are emerging continuously, particularly around AI.

Don’t only look at the job titles that exist today. Some of the careers young people entering school now will eventually have probably don’t exist yet.

Looking back, what would you have done differently?

I would probably have trusted the journey more and worried less about having everything figured out.

There were times when changing direction could feel like starting again.

Today I understand that I wasn’t starting again, I was adding another layer.

Every experience eventually contributed something to the business leader and entrepreneur I became.

Tell us about a teacher or mentor who inspired your journey.

One person who profoundly influenced me was Derek Smith, my Project Management lecturer, who recently passed away.

Derek taught me something that has stayed with me throughout my career:

Focus on the people, not just the product.

That philosophy has grounded me through project management, implementation, consulting, technology and leadership.

It also helped me develop listening as a genuine capability.

You can have the best technology or product in the world, but if you haven’t listened to the people affected by it, you may still have the wrong solution.

Derek and I remained in contact for many years after he lectured me. That relationship and his lessons stayed with me long after I left the classroom.

My Latest Endeavour: MiniBoss

MiniBoss represents the next chapter of something I have been passionate about for years: developing young people.

The purpose is to introduce young people to entrepreneurship while simultaneously developing confidence.

But I don’t want entrepreneurship education to become simply about making money.

Business needs a commercial outcome, but entrepreneurship should also teach young people to ask:

What problem am I solving? Who am I helping? What value am I creating? How can this business contribute towards a stronger society?

I want young people to understand that they are allowed to experiment.

Try the idea.

Test it.

If it doesn’t work, understand why.

Learn.

Change it.

Try again.

That is the principle of failing fast without becoming afraid to try.

If we can teach young people entrepreneurship alongside confidence, resilience, problem-solving and social responsibility, I believe we can develop stronger individuals—and ultimately a stronger society.

For me, MiniBoss isn’t separate from my career journey. In many ways, it brings together everything I’ve learned: creativity, business, technology, entrepreneurship, people and purpose.

Where to Study?

Young people should investigate opportunities through:

• South African universities – UNISA/UCT/UWC

• UCT Graduate School of Business

• Accredited technology academies

• Professional Project Management and Business Analysis programmes

Find me on

LinkedIn: Mushfiqoh Samodien
MiniBoss: www.miniboss.co.za
Aspire Solutions: www.aspiresolutions.co.za

Instagram: aspire_solutions_connect / miniboss_sa
TikTok: NA
Facebook: NA

Key takeaway?

If there is one thing I would want a young person reading my story to take away, it is this:

Your career does not have to be a straight line.

I started in graphic design. I studied law and didn’t finish it. I moved through corporate environments, project management, business analysis, consulting and technology. I became an entrepreneur and business owner, and today I am taking everything I have learned and using it to help develop another generation of entrepreneurs.

Don’t be afraid to change direction.

Keep learning. Keep listening. Stay curious. Build your confidence.

And most importantly, never be so afraid of failing that you become afraid to try.

©Higher Education Media Services.

JOHN F Kennedy’s famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” remain as relevant today as they were decades ago.

They speak to citizenship, service, and the belief that meaningful change often begins with one person deciding to act.

While South Africa remains mired in shock at the ongoing revelations before the Madlanga Commission unravelling corruption and greed, the 1860 Heritage Centre in Derby Street, Durban, echoes that Kennedy-type spirit, which has found expression in the work of the unassuming and unheralded Kaveri Reddy.

In early December 2025, while attending an event at the centre, Kaveri walked through the grounds and noticed something many others may have seen but chosen to overlook. A neglected garden stood as a symbol of decline. Scattered pipes, stagnant water, overgrown vegetation, and a general sense of neglect had stripped the space of the dignity befitting a site dedicated to preserving the history of South Africa’s indentured labourers and passengers.

She could have walked away. Instead, she chose to become part of the solution. Drawing on her passion for gardening, particularly indigenous gardening, Kaveri approached the leadership of the centre and volunteered her services.

What began as a simple act of stewardship quickly evolved into a transformative vision. She envisaged a living heritage space that would not only beautify the grounds but also tell the story of those who arrived on South African shores from 1860 onwards.

With the support of Nirode Bramdaw, a board member of the 1860 Heritage Centre, and the backing of an increasingly enthusiastic community, that vision is steadily becoming reality.

Today, what was once derelict is becoming dignified.

The project is being developed in phases.

One section celebrates the indigenous flora that early arrivals would have encountered when they first stepped onto South African soil. Another section recreates a heritage garden showcasing plants, herbs, and crops brought by indentured labourers and passengers from India, reflecting the agricultural knowledge, culinary traditions, and cultural practices that continue to shape South African society today.

But this project is about far more than plants. It is about memory. It is about honour. It is about restoring a sense of dignity to a place that serves as a custodian of an important chapter in South African history. More than these, it is about one person showing courage to make a difference – and till the soil with her little hands.

At the heart of the Heritage Garden will stand a circular grove of moringa trees forming a shaded gathering space symbolising resilience and community. A central fountain will represent the great ocean crossing undertaken by thousands of indentured labourers. Benches surrounding the fountain will create a contemplative space where visitors can reflect on sacrifice, endurance, and hope.

Traditional grinding stones donated by community members will surround this focal point, ensuring that everyday objects once used in homes become part of a collective heritage installation. Nearby, a mural dedicated to the women of indenture will give recognition to generations of women whose labour, strength, and perseverance laid the foundations of family and cultural life, often without acknowledgement.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the project is that it has not been driven by institutional funding or grand budgets. It has been fuelled by volunteerism, generosity, and a shared belief that heritage matters.

Every flower planted, every bed restored, every seed sown represents an act of service.

Kaveri herself captures this spirit perfectly when she says: “This garden is growing because people care. Every plant that goes into the ground carries a sense of contribution.”

The public response has been overwhelming. Friends, community members, heritage activists, and visitors have praised both the physical transformation and the vision behind it. They have spoken of her dedication, her “golden touch,” her passion, and her unwavering commitment to preserving heritage for future generations.

Former Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo perhaps summed it up best when he noted that Kaveri had undertaken this work “in her own time and at her own cost,” transforming the grounds into a serene and welcoming environment for all who visit.

That is the essence of active citizenship. Too often, we wait for governments, organisations, or someone else to solve problems. We ask why spaces have deteriorated, why heritage sites struggle, or why communities seem disconnected. Yet genuine change frequently begins with an individual willing to step forward and take responsibility.

Kaveri did not wait for permission to care. She cared enough to act. In doing so, she has reminded us that preserving our heritage is not solely the responsibility of institutions. It belongs to all of us. Every generation inherits the duty to protect, nurture, and pass forward the stories that define who we are.

The emerging 1860 Heritage Garden is therefore much more than a landscaping project. It is a living lesson in community service, heritage preservation, and collective responsibility. It is proof that one person’s vision can inspire an entire community to participate in something meaningful.

As marigolds bloom where weeds once grew and new life replaces neglect, the garden stands as a powerful metaphor for what can happen when individuals choose action over apathy.

Kaveri’s work reminds us that heritage is not preserved by monuments alone. It is preserved by people. And perhaps that is the greatest lesson of all.

Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do to make a difference.

The 1860 Heritage Garden is growing because one woman answered that question. Her name is Kaveri Reddy – aka Greenfingers.

@Higher Education Media Services

For 25 years, she has shaped reputations, guided decision‑makers and shown young women that integrity, intellect and courage can build a career at the highest levels.

For a quarter of a century, Marlynie “Marls” Moodley has been the steady voice in the room where Africa’s most consequential decisions are made. While others occupy the spotlight, she occupies the space just behind it, the trusted adviser who helps company chairs, chief executives and founders understand how they are seen, how they are heard, and how their reputations withstand the moments that matter most.

Her journey from a close‑knit Durban childhood to the boardrooms of McKinsey, Bain, EY, CrossBoundary and the Africa Finance Corporation is a reminder that leadership comes in many forms. Some lead from the front; others lead by sharpening the thinking of those who do. Moodley has built her career on judgement, discretion and the courage to tell powerful people the truth, even when it is difficult.

Today, as founder and managing director of Shinjitsu no Koe, “voice of truth”, she works independently, advising institutions across Africa and beyond. Her work is rooted in clarity, integrity and a deep understanding of people, shaped by years of navigating crises, repositioning organisations and helping leaders find their authentic voice.

For young women imagining their futures, Moodley’s story offers a powerful lesson: you do not need a title to shape the world. You need curiosity, courage, and the willingness to step into rooms you once thought were out of reach.

Q&A

Who is Marls Moodley?

I’m a strategic communications and reputation adviser, and the founder of my own advisory practice, Shinjitsu no Koe. In simple terms, I help the people who lead organisations, including company chairs, chief executives and founders, think through how they and their institutions are seen and trusted. I help them navigate the moments that carry real risk or real opportunity. After 25 years advising others, I now do it independently, on my own terms.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Durban and spent my younger years in KwaZulu-Natal.

Which primary and high schools did you attend?

We moved around a bit, so I attended four schools: Crescentridge Primary, Brindhaven Secondary, Risecliff High, and Mountview High.

What was life like growing up?

I grew up in a very close-knit family: my parents, two sisters and a brother. We were surrounded by many uncles, aunts and extended family- very much a community lifestyle, a time when kids played freely on the streets and outside; neighbours were close by and in and out of each other’s homes. On weekends, we often visited my grandparents or had family over; my mum has always been a great cook and wonderful entertainer. Picnics at the park and outings to the beach were a regular feature too. Growing up in a mid-income home, life was simple, yet we were happy and fulfilled. In my teenage years, I became more aware of the segregation and disparities that made up our country, which marked the beginning of my greater social and political consciousness.

Where did you study after school, and what did you study?

I studied a BA in Communications and Industrial Psychology at the University of South Africa. Since then, learning has never really stopped; I’ve completed numerous management, leadership and governance courses throughout my career, and continue to stay on top of the latest developments.

What are your hobbies, and how do you relax?

I love to cook, entertain and spend quality time with family and friends. Also love checking out the newest restaurants in my city or the best ones when I’m travelling, another passion of mine. I’m drawn to the arts; I serve on the board of Theatre Arts, a Cape Town-based NGO, and I believe storytelling and the creative arts help make sense of the world. Reading, reading and more reading, any chance I get, mainly non-fiction and, on the news front, global current affairs and geopolitics. Solo walks, meditation and my spiritual life are very important to me, and I make sure I find the time to turn inward, always.

How do you keep up with trends in your field?

Constantly, and deliberately. Reputation and communications, like every other sector, have changed fundamentally in the last two decades. I stay close to editors and journalists, and I pay attention to how new tools, including AI, are changing how stories are told and how quickly they travel. Much of my learning also comes from the leaders and institutions I work with; every engagement teaches me something.

When did you first “start” in this career, and what was that moment like?

My early career was in financial services, first in training and professional development before I was drawn to communications and public affairs. But the real turning point came when I moved into professional services and began advising senior leaders directly, sitting in the room where consequential decisions were made, trusted to give honest counsel.

Career

What is your current job title?

Founder and Managing Director of Shinjitsu no Koe, an independent strategic advisory practice.

How long have you been in this role?

I founded the practice in early 2024, so just over two years now.

Briefly describe what your job involves day-to-day.

No two days look the same, which is part of what I love about it. I advise chairpersons, chief executives and boards on reputation and strategy; I design and facilitate high-stakes leadership retreats and board sessions; I prepare leaders for major public moments, from speeches and interviews to difficult announcements, and I help them think through how to position themselves and their institutions. A lot of my work involves listening carefully, structuring conversations that need to happen, and then turning what emerges into clear decisions and a plan. And because I run my own practice, I’m also the business owner, so wholly responsible for building relationships, shaping proposals and carrying the responsibility for everything that goes out under my name.

Where are you based?

I’m based in Johannesburg, though I work across the continent and internationally.

What do you love most about your job?

The trust. To be the person a chief executive or founder turns to in a moment that really matters, and to be trusted to tell them the truth, not what they want to hear, is a genuine privilege. I also love the variety and depth: one week I’m facilitating a leadership retreat; the next, I’m helping protect an institution’s reputation through a difficult period. And after years of doing this inside big organisations, there’s a particular satisfaction in having built something of my own.

How did you get into this line of work?

I started in the financial services sector, moving from training and development into communications, then into senior roles at some of the world’s leading professional services firms and financial institutions, including McKinsey, Bain, EY, CrossBoundary and the Africa Finance Corporation. Each role took me closer to the centre of how organisations are led, until advising leaders directly became the heart of what I do. Founding my own practice was the natural next step: doing that work independently, with full ownership of the judgement I bring.

Was this always your dream career?

Not at all; I grew up with varied aspirations that were far from what I do now. As a youngster, I dreamed of being a dancer or involved in theatre arts in some shape or form; I was mesmerised by all things Shakespearean and loved Oscar Wilde. I also loved the arts and spent a lot of time charcoal drawing and sculpting. I was a keen debater at school too, and law was the career my parents always imagined for me, perhaps the one path we all agreed I might follow. As an avid reader from a very young age (the City Hall in Durban housed my favourite library), I travelled the world in my mind and encountered many cultures and people. But more than any of that, I have always been endlessly fascinated by people, who we are and why we do the things we do- so the humanities were a natural drawcard, and ultimately what led me to what I studied and where I am today.

What have been some highlights so far?

There have been many, and they’re not always the ones people expect. Leading the rebrand of the Africa Finance Corporation and delivering a summit that convened more than 2,000 global leaders was a proud moment. So was building McKinsey’s external presence across Africa and helping establish it as the pre-eminent voice on the continent. I’ve advised on senior international campaigns and navigated well over a hundred sensitive reputation matters over the years. But honestly, some of the highlights are quieter: a leader who found their voice, a board that reached a decision it had been avoiding, a young professional I mentored who has gone on to thrive. And founding my own practice, and seeing leaders choose to work with me directly, is a highlight that’s still unfolding.

Pros and Cons

What are the best parts of the job?

Influence and access. Being close to how important decisions are made. Variety, because the work is never the same twice. And meaning: helping leaders and institutions navigate their hardest moments with integrity is genuinely fulfilling.

What are some of the challenges?

It carries real pressure. When you advise at the top, the stakes are high, and the responsibility is yours. Much of the work is confidential, so you often can’t speak about your biggest contributions. The hours can be demanding, especially in a crisis, and you have to be comfortable delivering uncomfortable truths to powerful people. Running your own practice adds another layer, as you carry the business as well as the counsel.

What type of personality suits this career?

Someone with sound judgement, discretion and emotional intelligence. You need to be a strong listener and a clear thinker, calm under pressure, and confident enough to hold your ground with senior people while remaining genuinely useful to them. Curiosity helps enormously, about business, people, politics and the world. And integrity is non-negotiable; your credibility is everything you have.

Is it well-paying? Are there good benefits?

It can be a rewarding career financially, particularly as you become more senior and your judgement becomes the thing people pay for. In-house roles come with the usual salary and benefits; independent advisory work, like mine, trades security for autonomy and the ability to shape your own path. The real “benefit”, though, is the access and the relationships. You work alongside remarkable people and never stop learning.

Can you work in other countries with this qualification?

Absolutely. Communications, reputation and advisory skills travel exceptionally well. I’ve worked across Africa, the Middle East and the UK, and the fundamentals, from judgement and trust to the ability to shape a narrative and protect a reputation, are valued everywhere. It’s a career that can genuinely be global.

What education or training is needed? Which matric subjects help?

A background in communications, journalism, marketing, business, law, politics, or psychology provides a strong foundation, but there’s no single fixed route, and experience matters as much as qualifications. At matric level, subjects that build strong writing, critical thinking and confidence with language are the most useful: English and languages, History, and Business Studies are all excellent starting points.

How long does training take, and is it expensive? Do you need ongoing training throughout your career?

A first degree typically takes three to four years, and costs vary widely depending on where you study. But the truth is, learning never stops in this profession. I’ve done many courses and programmes throughout my career, and I still learn from every engagement. If you enjoy growing and evolving, that’s a feature, not a burden.

Are bursaries, loans or scholarships available?

Yes. Many universities offer bursaries and financial aid, and there are scholarships aimed specifically at young women and first-generation students. Schemes such as NSFAS support qualifying students at public universities and colleges, and individual institutions, foundations and companies often fund communications, humanities and business studies. It’s well worth researching early and applying widely.

Where can one study for this career?

South Africa has excellent options. Most public universities offer communications, journalism, marketing, business or public relations qualifications, as do many universities of technology and private colleges. The most important thing is to choose an accredited institution and a course that builds strong writing, thinking and communication skills.

What should a young person do first if they want to follow this path?

Start writing, start reading, and start paying attention to how organisations and leaders communicate, what works, what doesn’t, and why. Volunteer to help with communications for a club, a cause or a small organisation. Seek out internships, and don’t underestimate the value of simply being curious and reliable. Early on, your attitude and your willingness to learn matter as much as any qualification.

Advice for the Young at Heart

What advice would you give someone thinking about this career?

Build your judgement and your integrity, because those are what people ultimately come to rely on. Learn to write well and think clearly. Those two skills will open more doors than you can imagine. Be curious about the world. And don’t be afraid to take an unconventional path; some of the most valuable experience comes from rooms you weren’t sure you belonged in. Trust that you belong there.

Is there a shortage of people in this field, in SA or globally?

There are plenty of people in communications, but there is a real shortage of genuinely strategic, trusted advisers, people who can sit with a chief executive and add real value to their thinking. As you become more senior and more trusted, the demand for you grows. Excellence is always scarce.

What other similar jobs exist in your industry?

Plenty: corporate communications manager, public relations specialist, media strategist, brand manager, spokesperson, investor relations professional, public affairs and government relations adviser, speechwriter, and reputation or crisis consultant. Many of these connect to marketing, journalism, policy and strategy, so there’s enormous room to move and grow.

Looking back, what would you have done differently?

While my path did not play out how I expected, I believe everything happened exactly as it should have, and each experience prepared me for the ones that followed; for that, I am very grateful. I prefer not to concern myself with how things could have been different had I done something differently in the past. The moment to make changes and do things differently is now, and should always be in the present; anything else wastes energy.

Tell us about a teacher or mentor who inspired your journey.

I cannot say there is one or two people. If you are open to listening and learning, you begin to see that incredible people are all around us, doing phenomenal things, often against great adversity and struggle. Those are the people who inspire me, far more than any well-known name. Inspiration is everywhere, if you are willing to see it and appreciate it.

Where does one study for a career in communications?

Communications, journalism, public relations, marketing and business qualifications are offered at most South African universities and universities of technology, as well as many accredited private colleges. Financial aid options include NSFAS (for qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges), university-specific bursaries and merit scholarships, and funding from foundations and companies that support humanities, business and communications students.

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Teboho Moja’s story is one of quiet power, relentless curiosity and a lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunity. Born in Pretoria and raised in Atteridgeville — with formative years spent in Ga‑Rankuwa and later at the University of Limpopo — her early life was shaped by modest classrooms, vibrant street friendships and the discipline of Sunday church mornings.

“The schools had limited facilities… classrooms were inadequately equipped and very hot in summer and cold in winter,” she recalls, yet those constraints never dimmed her ambition.

From Setotolwane High School to the University of Limpopo, Moja followed the path available to her as a young Motswana woman under apartheid’s restrictions.

But she transformed that path into a global academic career spanning more than three decades — including 26 years as a professor of higher education at New York University, and now as an Emerita Professor, continuing to teach, mentor and collaborate across continents.

“It is now more fun every day as I determine my own schedule… when in South Africa my day starts with engagements with colleagues and family,” she says, illustrating a life lived between Johannesburg and New York, always in motion, always connected.

Her work, from shaping leadership courses to taking students around the world for more than 20 years, reflects a career built on flexibility, courage and a deep belief in education as a tool for transformation.

Recognition has followed her in both South Africa and the United States, but Moja remains grounded in the values that shaped her: mentorship, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things.

This Role Models feature celebrates her journey, her wisdom, and her unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders and change‑makers.

In 1998, Moja became the first black person, and the first woman, to be appointed Chair of the Unisa Council. The daughter of a nurse and a postmaster-turned-businessman, she has forged an extraordinary career as an educationist.

In 1994, she was appointed as an adviser to the newly democratic South Africa’s Minister of Education, the late Sibusiso Bengu. In this and other roles, she played a pioneering role in reforming higher education in South Africa and has published extensively on the topic.

Moja is a Visiting Research Fellow, Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria, an Extraordinary Professor at the Institute of Post-School Studies at the University of the Western Cape, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Student Affairs in Africa.

Q&A

Beginnings

Where were you born and raised? I was born in Pretoria and raised in Atteridgeville, and later in Ga-Rankuwa for a brief period, as I spent most of my time at the University of Limpopo, then known as the University of the North.

Which primary and high schools did you attend? Attended Kgabo Primary School for 4 years, then Mboweni Senior Primary, both located in Atteridgeville

What was life like growing up? It was challenging in some ways and fun in other ways. The schools had limited facilities and no sports grounds. The focus was on music and preparations for school choir practices. Classrooms were inadequately equipped and very hot in summer and cold in winter. The fun part was having lots of friends and being able to play with them in the streets. We had opportunities to learn different languages because friends came from different ethnic backgrounds. Sunday was always for church first, after getting up early and helping out with household chores. The rest of the day was spent roaming the streets and playing with neighbours.

Where did you study after school, and what did you study? Continued at Setotolwane High School, which was a boarding school in Pietersburg, now renamed Polokwane. I then furthered my studies at the University of Limpopo, as the designated university for my ethnic group. I am Motswana.

Are you married? Do you have children? I was married twice and had one child from my first marriage and two from my second.

What are your hobbies and how do you relax? I love walks in the parks and playing golf whenever I can. I also like hanging out with friends, old and new friends.

How do you keep up with trends in your field? I am a workaholic and get joy from working, so I keep up by reading, commenting on reviews, attending conferences and publishing my work.

When did working life begin and what was that moment like? I started in 1989 as a teacher, but I knew I wouldn't want to be a teacher in a traditional sense all my life. However, I wanted to stay in education.

Career

What is your current job title? Emerita Professor, because I retired in September 2025 and was granted this status so I can continue to have a relationship with my university without being tied to a teaching schedule during the semester, as I like travelling to meet colleagues around the world.

How long have you been in this role? I was a professor for 26 years at New York University, and I will be one year as an Emerita Professor.

Briefly describe what your job involves day‑to‑day. It is more fun every day now that I determine my own schedule, but I still have lots of deadlines to meet. When I am in New York, my day might start with a meeting or two with colleagues in South Africa, then move on to my chosen tasks of writing, reading, and answering emails.

When I'm in South Africa, my day starts with engagements with colleagues and family in the country, and when they go to bed, I might join a meeting with colleagues in the Northern Hemisphere or teach a class at 1:30 am. My teaching mainly happens in June and July, when I teach a summer leadership class to doctoral students online.

Where are you based? Both New York City and Johannesburg.

What do you love most about your job? Flexibility

How did you get into this line of work? Interest and mentoring

Was this always your dream career? No, but I came to love it, which is why I've stayed in it for 26 years.

What have been some highlights so far? Recognition of my contributions through awards in both countries.

Challenges

What are the best parts of the job? Being able to create courses in response to what I see as emerging needs, and the ability, for over 20 years, to take students around the world to expose them to knowledge in other contexts.

What are some of the challenges? Having to sacrifice my children’s time whenever I had to travel. I adapted by giving them quality time when I was home rather than focusing on quantity.

What type of personality suits this career? Flexible and willing to try new things.

Is it well‑paying? Are there good benefits? One is never in education for money. I entered the profession knowing that.

Can you work in other countries with this qualification? Of course!

What education or training is needed? A doctoral degree is required to teach at a university.

Which matric subjects help? I left high school in the 70s, so it is hard to answer this one, but quantitative skills and language competency are always helpful.

How long does training take, and is it expensive? 3-year degree, 1 or 2 years honours, 2 years master's, and 4-5 years doctoral degree. Yes, it can be expensive if you do not get scholarships.

Do you need ongoing training throughout your career? Self-training mainly, workshops, conferences, webinars, etc.

Are bursaries, loans or scholarships available? Sometimes.

Where can one study for this career? University.

Advice for the young at heart

What should a young person do first if they want to follow this path? Get their academic qualifications first.

Is there a shortage of people in this field (in SA or globally)? In South Africa, yes. In the US, there is a bit of an oversupply.

What other similar jobs exist in your industry? Research Centers, think tanks and policy centres.

Looking back, what would you have done differently? Nothing!

Tell us about a teacher or mentor who inspired your journey. Tough one. I had many good mentors along the way, but not as my teachers.

©Higher Education Media Services

There was a moment early in Lt Dipuo Moilwa’s military career when she was very close to giving up. Carrying a rucksack weighing 25 kg during a long endurance march, she felt at the end of her tether.

As her legs began to shake from exhaustion, she recalls touching the grass along the way. “I told myself: Even if it’s hard, you must push through. I prayed to God for the strength to continue. My feet just kept going and going … and I made it through!”

That determination and faith have guided Moilwa through more than 15 years in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) – through failed paratrooper selection, demanding physical training and officer selection – and eventually into a lecture hall at SU’s Faculty of Military Science at the Military Academy in Saldanha.

Today, the third-year student in security and Africa studies is also a dedicated parent and the overall commander of the Student Council’s Masiza Community Outreach.

Her career arc has required remarkable endurance. Increasingly, though, Moilwa has come to see leadership as something more than the ability to endure hardship herself: it is also about noticing hardship in the lives of others and doing something about it.

Learning to keep going

Born in Mafikeng and raised in Klerksdorp, Moilwa joined the SANDF in 2009 after completing school in 2006. She was athletic and drawn to difficult challenges, including paratrooper training. “I wanted to be one of those women who hold her own in a male-dominated space,” she says.

She didn’t pass the paratrooper selection but refused to regard the setback as the end of her ambitions. After moving to the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn, she trained for the military’s fittest soldier competition. In 2011, as a lance corporal, she won first place in the women’s category for the formation competition, second place for the Arms of Service competition and first place in the team category (which consisted of one woman and three men), winning several medals and trophies. She later became an instructor responsible for introducing recruits to basic military training.In 2022, as a sergeant, she participated in the Arms of Service drill competition, where the squad she drilled obtained first position.

By 2023, Moilwa entered the officer selection process. After completing officer formation, she received an opportunity in 2024 to study at the Military Academy.

Academia proved to be a different kind of test. It was the first time she had returned to formal studies since leaving school almost two decades earlier. During her first year in Saldanha, she frequently wondered whether she belonged at university.

“I chose to see the academic challenges not as a sign of inadequacy, but as an opportunity to grow in a new direction, drawing on the resilience I had already proven in myself,” she says.

She responded much as she had to physical challenges in the military: by working steadily, returning to the basics and asking for help. An educational psychologist at SU helped her with practical strategies to manage her studies.

“That experience taught me the importance of asking for help when you need it,” she says. “I have always found support at SU when I reached out and receiving that support strengthened my desire to help others in turn.”

Service shaped by experience

Moilwa’s instinct to help others is rooted partly in her childhood. Growing up with limited means, she learned early that resilience is not about what you have, but about how you push through what you lack. Later, while deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2015 to 2016, she was deeply affected by the hardship experienced by that country’s women and children. During patrols, she sometimes shared her food with children.

Those experiences found an outlet in Masiza, the Military Academy’s student-driven community outreach initiative that operates under the motto “touching lives”.

Masiza works with communities to identify needs and respond through projects ranging from painting schools and crèches and supplying educational materials to supporting old-age homes, establishing community gardens and assisting families.

Its flagship event, the yearly Exercise Trans Enduro, combines military endurance with community outreach along a coastal route between Gqeberha and Saldanha.

Moilwa joined Masiza in 2024. At the end of the year, she was chosen to lead the Masiza team during the 2025 Trans Enduro. In 2026, she became overall Masiza commander of the Military Academy Student Council, coordinating initiatives in the Saldanha area and working with the Trans Enduro commander.

She is quick to emphasise that leadership is collective. “I didn’t drive the team alone. I had an incredible team behind me,” she says of the 2025 Trans Enduro.

For Moilwa, community engagement is also not a one-way act of charity. “The bigger purpose for me is going out there and serving the community, because in doing that it’s not about giving or serving, but learning from others too.”

Her commitment was strengthened when she heard SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath speak about engaged citizenship.

His message that citizens share responsibility for addressing social challenges resonated deeply with her. “We can’t wait for government to solve problems while we live among these communities and see realities faced by our people every day,” she says.

A soldier, student and mother

Behind Moilwa’s military and university responsibilities is another demanding role.

She balances her studies with parenting, staying closely involved in her children’s daily lives while managing her own assignments and reading. “It’s not easy to balance all the priorities while I’m studying,” she admits. Yet she remains steadfast, believing that the sacrifices are worthwhile and that every effort she makes today builds a better tomorrow for her family and herself.

She credits her mother, brother and wider support network with helping her to keep going. When she needs space for herself, she runs, listens to music, takes photographs, thrift unique vintage items or writes down motivational reflections. These moments of solitude give her the clarity to refocus and keep moving forward.

Moilwa is already looking beyond her undergraduate degree. She hopes to pursue honours studies in history. As an infantry junior officer, she believes that historical insights can inform and improve the strategies of tomorrow’s land forces. “Understanding the past helps us make sense of the present and prepare for the future,” she explains.

She intends to keep serving wherever she finds herself. “Wherever I go next, I want to carry that ethos with me and continue to make a difference, even if it’s simply by helping one person at a time.”

©Higher Education Media Services.

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For nearly two decades, Thobile Zulu has been working to ensure that the health and wellbeing of students remain firmly on the agenda at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).

Born and raised in the rural KwaZulu-Natal communities of Mambulu and Maphumulo, Zulu has served as DUT’s Specialist HIV/AIDS Coordinator since 2006. Her work spans HIV prevention, care and support, health promotion, gender-based violence (GBV), sexual diversity and inclusion.

A commitment to social justice and public health took root during her Social Sciences studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her first practical experience came through peer education programmes at two rural high schools in KwaHlabisa, where she designed and implemented behavioural change interventions.

Working directly with young people showed her the difference that knowledge and practical skills could make to their attitudes and choices around HIV and health.

Her subsequent work at the South African Medical Research Council exposed her to HIV/AIDS as both a health and social crisis, particularly among young people. The experience convinced her that research alone was not enough; meaningful change also required sustained programmes in institutions where young people’s lives are shaped.

That thinking eventually brought her to DUT.

In her current role, Zulu oversees institution-wide health promotion programmes and works to ensure students have access to services that respond to their needs. She also plays a significant role in securing and managing funding, with more than R4 million secured through Higher Health and other partners to strengthen HIV/AIDS programming.

One of the most visible aspects of her work has been DUT’s response to GBV. Zulu helped build the University’s GBV awareness campaign from the ground up. Now entering its 12th year, the campaign has become an annual platform for keeping GBV visible and encouraging students and staff to confront the issue.

The health promotion programme has also expanded beyond its original focus, incorporating sexual diversity and inclusion and recognising a wider range of student experiences.

“Every year the campaign continues, it reaches a new cohort of students who might not otherwise have engaged with these conversations,” she says.

Academic achievement has been another important part of Zulu’s journey. In 2025, she completed her PhD in Sociology through UNISA, a milestone achieved while managing a demanding full-time role.

Balancing institution-wide programme oversight, grant management, postgraduate mentorship and doctoral research was one of the most difficult periods of her career.

She credits disciplined time management, mentors and supportive colleagues with helping her through it.

The experience has also shaped the advice she gives young women: build a strong academic foundation, but do not wait for perfect circumstances before pursuing further study. Practical experience matters just as much, she says, while mentors can provide crucial support during difficult periods.

Her understanding of leadership has been influenced by the academics and public health professionals she has worked with throughout her career. They taught her that effective leadership requires both evidence and compassion.

“You need the evidence and the methodology, but you also need to stay close to the human realities the data represents.”

That principle is particularly important in her work with students.

“Health is foundational to academic success; a student cannot perform well if their physical and psychosocial wellbeing is compromised.”

The programmes she coordinates are therefore not simply health interventions. They contribute to keeping students in the system, supporting them to complete their studies and creating an institutional environment in which they can succeed.

Beyond the reports, research and programmes is a personal concern for the young people she serves.

“Every HIV prevention session, every peer education engagement, and every student I support through our programmes is, for me, an investment in someone’s future, in the person they are becoming, not just in a statistic or an outcome.”

That commitment informs the legacy she hopes to leave at DUT.

She wants to see the University recognised as a leader in HIV and GBV programmes, while remaining a safe and inclusive space for everyone, irrespective of sexual orientation. More importantly, she wants the systems established through these programmes to continue beyond her own tenure.

The goal is a sustainably funded, research-informed institutional response supported by a new generation of peer educators who can carry the work forward.

Women’s Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the resilience behind women’s achievements, particularly in fields where women have had to claim space rather than simply inherit it.

“Women’s Month is a moment to reflect on the resilience of women who have built careers and led change in spaces that were not given to them, but that they had to fight for.”

Her message is also about making sure that the next generation has a place to lead.

“Keep claiming and holding the door open to the next generation of women who will need to lead.”

Zulu’s own journey is grounded in that same idea of opening doors. From rural KwaZulu-Natal to public health, research and nearly 20 years of institutional work at DUT, she has built a career around creating opportunities for young people to make informed decisions about their health and futures.

Her work is not always visible in the University’s most prominent spaces, but its impact is reflected in the programmes that continue year after year, the peer educators who carry the message forward and the students who receive support when they need it most.

The legacy she hopes to leave is therefore bigger than any single campaign: a DUT that is healthier, safer, more inclusive and equipped to keep the work going.

Delecia Davids is still flustered when she shares the big news: She has become the first South African academic to receive the prestigious Einstein Fellowship, an honour she describes as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. “It has not fully sunk in yet,” she says in disbelief.

The fully funded fellowship, offered by the Einstein Forum in collaboration with the Wittenstein Foundation, supports exceptional young intellectuals pursuing interdisciplinary work beyond their previous specialisation, following the example set by Albert Einstein. Davids will live and work in the garden cottage of Einstein’s summer house in Caputh, Germany.

Her selection recognises her as one of SU’s brightest emerging academic stars. An early-career researcher, lecturer and teacher educator in the Department of Curriculum Studies, Davids works across critical educational technology studies, digital agency, emerging technologies and assessment.

At the Faculty of Education, she is known for using digital “escape rooms” to explore new teaching methods for education students. She is also the founder and academic lead of SU’s Digital Agency Studio, a social impact initiative funded by the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation (CASIT), where students, academics and young people examine how technology shapes learning.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Davids’s Einstein fellowship project, titled “Reparative storytelling, memory, and identity”, will examine the stories of people who identify as coloured in South Africa and places them in conversation with Germany’s practices of public remembrance.

The project grew from personal loss. Her father died in 2023, just as she began her PhD. “I realised there was so much I didn’t know about him and his history and where he came from,” she says. “You don’t really ask until it’s too late.”

Those questions intersected with experiences that had already shaped her: her work as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar on reconciliation, her role in the Wilgenhof residence facilitation team with Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela and Dr Wilhelm Verwoerd, and her involvement in the Khampepe Commission. There, she says, “the intensity and the urgency” of reparative work became impossible to ignore.

Her project will begin with ten families. Starting with students from her own generation, she plans to trace their stories through families and communities, documenting “the challenging stories, but also the joyful heritage we have”.

“I don’t know where the research is going to go,” she says, “but it feels like something important for me, and also for a larger narrative that we’ve not really dealt with.”

Reimagining teaching through technology

Davids grew up in Delft, attended an ex-model C school in Parow and arrived at SU in 2012 as a first-year student in Irene residence. She describes her educational journey as “an evolution of consciousness”. Student leadership, the #FeesMustFall period and later work on gender-based violence deepened her understanding of institutions, belonging and transformation.

“I’ve always made an effort to not just critique non-transformation from the outside,” she notes. “I want to be part of the transformation journey and be able to say we tried this and failed, or this part worked. To some degree, we’re always complicit in what stays intact and what doesn’t.”

She initially expected to become a maths and science teacher but became drawn to teacher education and its wider influence. “When I thought about one class and impacting 30 kids versus being able to impact all the aspiring teachers who will be standing in front of 30 or 40 kids one day, that difference in scale seemed significant.”

Her PhD, now in its final stages under the supervision of Prof Jonathan Jansen, explores how final-year preservice teachers understand technology use and how those views have been shaped over their lives. Using an ethnographic approach, she has spent time with students in their homes and traced their histories with technology.

Under Jansen’s guidance, she has presented at major international conferences such as the Comparative International Education Society and the American Educational Research Association.

Driving responsible innovation

Davids resists the assumption that educational technology problems can be solved through infrastructure alone. “We say access is the problem and think we just need to add more infrastructure and the problem is solved. In South Africa, it’s much more nuanced than that.”

Her teaching reflects that conviction. Davids has developed “escape room” activities that ask education students to solve problems collaboratively, think critically and engage with course material in unfamiliar ways. A visit to Stanford University, where she met researchers behind educational escape rooms, placed her experiments within a wider international conversation about innovation.

Her approach to artificial intelligence is similarly questioning. She worries about “cognitive offloading”, where students produce polished work without the struggle and uncertainty through which learning happens. She also raises concerns about consent, data sovereignty and digital tools bought “off the shelf” by institutions. “There’s a facade of innovation that might actually harm us more than it will save us,” she warns.

Yet she does not reject AI. Her central question is one of agency: What should be delegated to technology, and what must remain human? Through the Digital Agency Studio and a Youth Advisory Council, she is building spaces where young people help shape research about digital life.

Making the university feel possible

For Davids, innovation is inseparable from belonging. Her master’s research on place attachment explored why some student leaders, particularly students of colour, remain deeply invested in SU while others disconnect.

Exposure, she argues, can change a young person’s sense of what is possible. Visiting a campus or meeting someone who represents the university can make an intimidating institution feel within reach.

As an academic, she tries not to reproduce academia’s “hidden curriculum” – the unwritten rules that protect privilege. “I’m trying to help whoever wants to know how to demystify what’s going on in academic spaces.” She works with fourth-year, honours and master’s students as co-facilitators and co-designers, giving them opportunities to lecture, host and lead.

As curator of TEDx Stellenbosch, she has also helped turn it into what she calls “a public engagement platform for research at the university”, foregrounding postgraduate students, alumni and community voices.

That work led to a scholarship to attend the Skoll World Forum in Oxford, where she hosted a session on digital innovation and youth. It strengthened her belief that academic work and social entrepreneurship need not exist in separate worlds.

A teacher at heart

On the homefront, Davids is grounded by her family and husband whom she describes as “really, really precious. Everyone tells me I’m very lucky to have married him.” A pair of cats moved in with them in Harmonie residence, where she now serves as Residence Head.

She jokes about being called a “meta-human” by one of her students but is frank about the realities of sacrifice – from postponed decisions about having children to the ongoing struggle for sustainable rhythms of work, community and rest.

Cooking and hosting dinners have become one of her practices of care. She loves curating who sits around the table, mixing students, colleagues and visitors so that conversation stretches beyond institutional lines. “The conversation is never just about work,” she says. “We talk about a million things.”

During those evenings, in advisory councils and classrooms, in residences and research proposals, Davids keeps returning to the same belief: that people, especially young people, must be active participants in shaping the institutions and technologies that shape them. “If you are not changed in some way by your experience here,” she tells her students, “you’ve wasted your money.” For her, the true work of the university is mutual transformation – of people, of places, and of the systems that have long decided who belongs.

“I’m a teacher at heart,” she concludes with a big smile.

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Career success requires more than a qualification. That was the key message shared with 60 Journalism and Integrated Communication students during a Women in Media and Communication speed-mentoring session, in which industry leaders encouraged them to build skills, embrace new technologies, and actively shape their career paths.

Hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) at Tshedimosetso House in Hatfield, Pretoria, as part of the 2026 Women’s Month celebrations, the Women in Media and Communication programme empowers aspiring media professionals by creating opportunities for industry leaders to share their experiences, challenge gender stereotypes and guide the next generation of communicators.

The programme began seven years ago with a panel discussion on women in media and a commitment to challenge gender stereotypes in the industry. Since then, it has provided a valuable platform for women professionals to share their journeys and support young people entering the field.

The mentoring session connected students with professionals from the media, communication, marketing and advertising sectors, providing career guidance and practical insight into industry expectations and opportunities.

Keamogetse Kgomanyane, Deputy Director for Government Communication Monitoring and Evaluation, encouraged students to take advantage of every opportunity that could expand their skills and experience.

The biggest challenge I find is that particularly within government, opportunities are limited. Try everything. Don’t limit yourself,” she said.

Kgomanyane highlighted the value of mentorship in opening doors and helping young people gain knowledge and opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

“I’m a product of mentorship. So, I know what it can do for you,” she said.

Cleopatra Mosana, Head of Communications at National Treasury, urged students to strengthen their communication skills while keeping pace with technological change.

“Communication skills are the foundation of every successful career. As technology evolves, professionals who can communicate clearly, adapt quickly and connect with people will always have an advantage,” she said.

Mosana encouraged students to continuously upskill themselves as the industry evolves and highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital platforms.

“Curiosity is one of the most valuable qualities you can develop. Be intentional about learning, seek out information and embrace new experiences, because every opportunity begins with a willingness to explore,” she said.

She added that mentorship enables professionals to share valuable lessons and experiences with young people as they navigate their career journeys.

Mamaponya Motsai, Chief Executive Officer of Fray college, encouraged students to take ownership of their careers and become valuable contributors in every workplace.

“Young professionals should take ownership of their careers by continuously developing their skills, adding value and demonstrating initiative. Those who actively shape their own path and make themselves indispensable are often the ones who create the greatest opportunities for themselves,” she said.

Motsai encouraged students to take initiative, volunteer for new responsibilities and create opportunities for themselves rather than waiting for direction.

“Today’s job market is highly competitive. Those who take initiative, seek opportunities and consistently add value are the ones who position themselves for success,” she said.

She emphasised that while personal branding is important, the quality of one’s work remains the strongest measure of professional success.

“I would rather have your work speak for you. The worst thing you can do is have people know you for your personality but not for your work,” she said.

The session gave students valuable exposure to experienced women professionals and provided practical advice on career development, lifelong learning and succeeding in an ever-changing media and communication environment.

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Some stories don’t begin with a straight line — they begin with a crossing. For this young scientist, the first crossing happened before she could spell her own name: born on the island of Mauritius, raised in the restless energy of Johannesburg, shaped by two cultures that taught her how to adapt, observe and reinvent. That dual identity, island quiet and Joburg grit, became the foundation of a woman who would later move through laboratories, lecture halls and boardrooms with equal confidence.

At Buccleuch Primary and Parktown High School for Girls, Marushka Soobben was the child who dismantled gadgets just to understand their secrets, the teenager who realised curiosity wasn’t a flaw but a compass.

That compass carried her to Wits University, where she stayed for nearly a decade, earning a BSc, Honours, Master’s, and finally a PhD in Biochemistry, and where she discovered that science wasn’t just a discipline; it was a language she could speak fluently.

Today she is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, a founder, a director, a scientist, a communicator, and an entrepreneur, often all before lunch. Her days stretch between lab benches and strategy meetings, between mentoring students and building STEM Scholars, the education company she created because she refused to accept that the next generation should inherit a watered‑down version of science. She wanted learners to see the real thing: the messy, thrilling, world‑shaping version.

Her journey is not romanticised: she speaks openly about burnout, long days, and the emotional weight of doing work that matters. But she also speaks about impact: the spark in a learner’s eyes, the possibility of a discovery that could change a life, the privilege of building something that didn’t exist before she imagined it.

This Women’s Month, her story reminds girls that brilliance isn’t born in perfect conditions. It grows in curiosity, in resilience, in the courage to build what you wish existed.

She is proof that science is not a distant world — it is a place where young women belong, lead, innovate and transform.

Her journey, marked by curiosity, resilience, burnout, breakthroughs and impact, is a powerful reminder that young women can shape science, education and innovation on their own terms.

Q & A

Beginnings

Where were you born and raised?

I was born on the island of Mauritius, then transplanted to South Africa as a kid. I’ve always had one foot in island life and one in Joburg hustle.

Which primary and high schools did you attend?

Buccleuch Primary School (class of 2009), then Parktown High School for Girls (class of 2014).

What was life like growing up?

It was a bit of a tug-of-war between two identities, Mauritian at home and South African everywhere else. I think that constant adapting is exactly what made me comfortable being the odd one out later, whether that was in a lab or starting a company nobody asked me to start. I was the curious kid taking things apart to see how they worked, long before I knew that curiosity had a career attached to it.

Where did you study after school, and what did you study?

I basically never left Wits since starting in 2015. BSc in Molecular and Cell Biology, BSc Honours in Microbiology and Biotechnology, MSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology and Chemistry, and finally a PhD in Biochemistry.

Are you married? Do you have children?

No and no. Right now my “children” are a PhD, a startup and a to-do list that never sleeps (neither do I).

What are your hobbies and how do you relax?

Walks, gym, art, music, dancing, and sleep.

How do you keep up with trends in your field?

LinkedIn, Instagram, university mailing lists, and talking to my network. Science moves fast enough that if you’re not plugged in somewhere, you fall behind quickly.

When did you first “start” in this career and what was that moment like?

The itch started long before I had a title for it. I kept looking at what we were taught in STEM at school and thinking, this isn’t what science actually looks like out here. That frustration is why STEM Scholars exists. I wanted learners to see the real, messy, exciting version of STEM, not the textbook one I grew up with.

Career

What is your current job title?

Postdoctoral Research Fellow by day, Founder and Director of my own company by, well, also day. There isn’t much of a line between the two.

How long have you been in this role?

~Two years in, and it already feels like ten.

Briefly describe what your job involves day to day.

Some days I’m elbow-deep in lab work chasing data. Other days I’m buried in papers: reading them, writing them, running the computational biology side, mentoring students, occasionally lecturing. Then I switch hats entirely and run my company: client meetings, partner conversations, strategy. Threaded through it all is science communication, because none of this matters if nobody outside the lab understands it.

Where are you based?

Johannesburg. Home base for both the research and the business.

What do you love most about your job?

Impact. Whether that’s watching a learner’s face change when they realise STEM is actually for them, or knowing a piece of drug-discovery research could help someone one day, that’s the fuel.

How did you get into this line of work?

I wanted to do science, so I went and did science. I also wanted to fix education, so I built that in too.

Was this always your dream career?

Yes, and it’s also brutally harder than the dream version in my head. I’m running on fumes a lot of the time. Nobody warns you how real the burnout gets.

What have been some highlights so far?

Launching STEM Scholars and watching it become real instead of just an idea in my head. And winning a Naked Scientists fellowship at Cambridge University, which was a proper pinch-me moment.

Pros & Cons

What are the best parts of the job?

Impact. Knowing the work actually changes something for someone.

What are some of the challenges?

Burnout is real, the days are long, and it is draining and exhausting work. I won’t sugarcoat that part for anyone considering this path.

What type of personality suits this career?

Thick skin, deep curiosity, and a high tolerance for uncertainty. You need to be able to switch between being a scientist, teacher, communicator and entrepreneur, sometimes within the same hour, and be okay with the fact that none of those roles come with an instruction manual.

Is it well paying? Are there good benefits?

Not well paying. I’ll say that plainly. What it does buy you is flexibility, the freedom to build research and a business side by side.

Can you work in other countries with this qualification?

Yes. This qualification travels.

What education or training is needed?

A science degree to start, then honours, a master’s and a PhD if you want to go deep into research. That’s the exact staircase I climbed: Molecular and Cell Biology, then Microbiology and Biotechnology, then Microbiology, Biotechnology and Chemistry, then Biochemistry.

Which matric subjects help?

Maths and Science, non-negotiable foundations.

How long does training take, and is it expensive?

Nine years at University. And yes, expensive doesn’t quite cover it, so apply for scholarships; they saved me.

Do you need ongoing training throughout your career?

Constantly. Science and technology don’t wait for you to catch your breath, so neither can you.

Are bursaries, loans or scholarships available?

Plenty. The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust are two solid starting points.

Where can one study for this career?

Any university offering molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology or biochemistry. I built my whole journey at Wits.

What should a young person do first if they want to follow this path?

Go work-shadow someone in the field first. See the real, unfiltered version of the job before you commit years and money to studying it.

Advice for the Young at Heart

What advice would you give someone thinking about this career?

Go in with your eyes wide open, not rose-tinted. It is rewarding, but it will test you. Get real exposure early, through work-shadowing and competitions, before you commit.

Is there a shortage of people in this field (in SA or globally)?

No, and this might surprise people. The real shortage isn’t people; it’s jobs. There are more qualified scientists than positions to fill.

What other similar jobs exist in your industry?

Research scientist roles in academia or industry, biotech entrepreneurship, science communication, university lecturing, lab management, science policy work. The STEM path branches a lot more than people realise.

Looking back, what would you have done differently?

I’d have chased more experience and entered more competitions much earlier. Entrepreneurship only found me during my PhD. If it had found me in first year instead, I’d be much further along and more established by now.

Tell us about a teacher or mentor who inspired your journey.

Dr Chris Smith of The Naked Scientists shaped how I think about science communication. And rewinding all the way back, my high school teacher Miss Moreira and Mr Watson were the reason I stayed in love with science in school and carried that love straight into university. Education is just something I’ve always felt pulled toward.

Opportunities

Where to study

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Molecular and Cell Biology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry. Most South African public universities offer equivalent science degrees; check each faculty of science for programme specifics.

DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Scholarships (Honours, Master’s, PhD)

The National Research Foundation’s flagship postgraduate funding, covering all science, engineering, technology, social science and humanities fields. The minimum requirement is 65% for your previous degree. The Free-standing (FCS) stream is for SA citizens or permanent residents who are financially needy (household income under R350,000 a year), living with a disability, or exceptional achievers; a smaller Public Good/international (PCS) stream exists too. Apply only through the NRF Connect portal. No manual applications accepted. nrf.ac.za | nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarships

Merit-based partial funding for Master’s, Doctoral and postdoctoral study, locally or abroad, for SA citizens or permanent residents with an exceptional academic record heading into academia or research. Not for MBAs or narrowly commercial programmes, and you’ll need to arrange co-funding, since OMT doesn’t cover the full cost. Closing dates run twice a year, typically at the end of March and the end of August. (www.omt.org.za)

NSFAS (undergraduate)

Covers tuition, accommodation, transport and study materials for SA citizens with household income under R350,000 a year (R600,000 if living with a disability), at any of the 26 public universities. Applications typically open around September for the following academic year. (www.nsfas.org.za)

Sasol Bursary (Sasol Foundation)

Full undergraduate funding, tuition, accommodation, a stipend and mentorship, for SA citizens under 30 studying engineering or science at a Sasol-approved public university (distance learning like UNISA doesn’t qualify). Comes with a workback agreement after graduation. Applications typically open in April. (www.sasolbursaries.com)

SAMRC (South African Medical Research Council) postgraduate funding

Particularly relevant if you’re heading toward biomedical research, drug discovery, genomics or immunology. SAMRC funds Master’s and PhD candidates through its Division of Research Capacity Development, with calls opening at different points across the year. (www.samrc.ac.za/funding)

Wits Financial Aid & Scholarships Office

Handles Wits-specific bursaries, need-based aid and faculty-level science awards funded by alumni and external donors. Worth a direct visit or query to your faculty’s undergraduate office for what’s live each year. (www.wits.ac.za/study-at-wits/financial-aid-and-scholarships-administration)

Social Media Handles

Instagram: @drmstemgirlie (instagram.com/drmstemgirlie)

LinkedIn: Dr Marushka Soobben (linkedin.com/in/dr-marushka-soobben-9a603b188)

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