College of Education

Celebrating a power couple with a shared commitment to education and excellence

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From left: Prof Wally Lumadi, Dr Nditsheni Irene Lumadi and Prof Tintswalo Manyike

On 26 May 2025, the Lumadi household and Unisa celebrated a milestone achievement, as Nditsheni Irene Lumadi proudly graduated with a doctoral degree. Her research, supervised by Prof Tintswalo Manyike, Chair of the Department of Language Education, Arts and Culture, was entitled "The teaching of English writing proficiency skills to high school learners in Vhembe District".

Her journey, which is rooted in a passion for addressing educational inequalities, reflects not only her dedication but also the unwavering support of her husband, Prof Wally Lumadi, a respected academic in Unisa’s Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies in the College of Education (CEDU). 

For Nditsheni, the decision to pursue a doctoral degree was driven by her experience as a teacher. "I witnessed firsthand the disparities in education and wanted to contribute to meaningful change," she says. "This degree is not just an academic achievement – it is a step toward transforming classrooms and empowering learners." 

The Lumadi home is a true testament to the power of intellectual collaboration. Prof Wally, a seasoned academic and mentor in curriculum studies, has played a pivotal role in shaping educational research. With a distinguished career at Unisa, his work focuses on innovative pedagogy and curriculum development, making him, amongst others, a pillar of the department. "I am incredibly proud of my wife," he says. "Her perseverance, brilliance and dedication to education inspire our entire family. Watching her walk across that stage was a moment of immense pride." 

Together, the Lumadis have cultivated a home environment in which scholarship thrives. Their daughter holds a doctorate, their son is finalising his doctoral studies, and their youngest is completing a master’s project. "Our home is like an academic incubator," Nditsheni laughs. "Dinner conversations often turn into research debates!" 

Balancing working towards a doctorate with family and professional responsibilities was no easy feat. Nditsheni admits that time management and emotional support were crucial. "There were moments of exhaustion, but having a partner who truly understands the demands of academia made all the difference," she admits. 

Prof Wally echoes this sentiment: "We lift each other up – whether it is proofreading drafts, discussing theories, or simply reminding each other to take a break." 

Now a doctor in her field, Nditsheni is eager to expand her research in critical pedagogy, teacher education and social justice. Her work seeks to bridge gaps in education and create more equitable learning environments. 

Meanwhile, Prof Wally is continuing his influential work in curriculum innovation, ensuring that their combined impact reaches classrooms across South Africa and beyond. 

The Lumadis offer this advice to aspiring doctoral candidates: "Find your support system, stay focused on your purpose, and never underestimate the power of collaboration." Their story is more than just a tale of academic success – it is a celebration of love and partnership, and a shared mission to transform education. 

* By Dineo Horner, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies

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Publish date: 2025-07-31 00:00:00.0

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