“Through commitment and dedication, you can realize your dreams”

The vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Limpopo, Prof NM Mokgalong, presided over the university’s 2020 virtual graduation ceremony last Monday, where a PhD in science was conferred on Rudzani Makhado.

Makhado did not allow his poor background to determine his future. He was born in Dididi, east of Thohoyandou. He matriculated at Mukhwantheli Secondary School in 1995 but could not proceed to tertiary level the following year because of financial challenges. “In 1996, I worked as a clerk at my secondary school, so that I could raise money to register at the university."

He registered for a Bachelor of Environmental Sciences in 1997 at the University of Venda but dropped out during 1998 and 1999 because of financial challenges. During this time, he worked at a construction company to raise money to clear his university debts.

In 2000, he registered again and passed his bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences in 2001. In 2002, the University of Venda introduced what was called a “Work Study Programme”, a programme that allows students to assist/work part-time at the university and, in return, the university pays the student’s fees. “I took that advantage and registered for my honours degree in environmental science, which I passed the same year. In 2004, I was employed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to join their learnership programme in environmental informatics. Through the financial support from the CSIR, together with the Department of Science and Technology, I registered for another honours in biodiversity and conservation biology at the University of the Western Cape, which I acquired in 2007.”

He said that he then realized that the only way to stop the cycle of poverty was to go school, which motivated him to further with his studies. “Through the financial support from the Department of Environmental Affairs, I registered my master’s in science with the University of Limpopo, which was completed in 2007. As it was not enough, the Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Centre, awarded me a bursary to do another master’s in disaster management at the University of the Free State, which was received in 2012.”

Last week, Makhado proudly received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in science and expressed appreciation for the sponsorship from the National Research Foundation. He said he wanted to motivate young people that, regardless of the cycles of poverty and financial difficulties, “with commitment and dedication, you can still realise your dream. South Africa is full of possibilities, but those possibilities need to be explored. I did not pay for my post-graduate studies but was funded by the South African government and research institutions.”

Makhado said that, through education, he had managed to work at various institutions. “I was first employed in 2004, as an assistant researcher and later as researcher by the CSIR. I was also employed by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a data analyst and later as assistant director. The Department of Energy had also employed me as a principal energy officer. The Limpopo Legislature appointed me in 2009 as a researcher, and I am currently serving as a senior manager in the Office of the Speaker.”

He said that the journey that he had travelled should serve as a motivation to young people that education had the power to change one’s life. “Let us explore our potential; it can be done. You can do it. Thanks to all who supported me throughout my career.”

Date:18 July 2020

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