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Governance, grit and growth

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Proud PhD graduate Dr Janice de Wee and her family

In an era of digital transformation in higher education, the PhD journey of Dr Janice de Wee, Unisa Library Manager, Research Planning and Quality, is marked by courage, resilience and innovation. A mother, risk strategist and visionary scholar, De Wee has made significant contributions through her research on social media governance in libraries, offering a timely framework for managing digital tools strategically.

Raised in a close-knit religious family, De Wee’s early academic path surprised her father, who had hoped she would become a medical doctor. Instead, she followed her passion, transitioning from a BCom Informatics to a BIS in Information Science. After her father's passing, she vowed to honour his belief in her by pursuing her academic ambitions.

De Wee began her career at the University of Pretoria’s Medical Library. With the help of tuition benefits, she completed her honours degree, after which she paused her studies to focus on family life. In 2011, she joined the Carnegie-funded Master’s Programme in Information Technology for Librarians, graduating cum laude in 2013, just before the birth of her third daughter.

In 2017, De Wee embarked on her PhD at the University of Pretoria. Her research, informed by her experience as a Library and Information Services (LIS) Risk Champion and social media trainer, led to the development of a risk-based governance framework for libraries, filling a critical gap in the sector. Her work provides strategic, policy-driven guidance on managing digital communication tools in library environments.

"Dr De Wee brings practical experience and academic depth to a topic shaping the future of LIS operations," noted her supervisor.

Now a thought leader at Unisa, De Wee plans to expand her expertise into areas such as disaster management, quality assurance and business continuity. Her achievements have inspired many, including colleagues like Dr Lesiba Ledwaba, Acting Director of Library Systems and Support Services, who praised her determination and resilience.

To aspiring scholars, she advises: "Choose a topic that excites you. Know the costs of a PhD and build a support system. It may feel like a solo journey, but no one does it alone."

De Wee’s story is one of legacy, leadership and lasting impact – a powerful example of how focused vision and unwavering faith can lead to groundbreaking change.

* By Moditsa Masela, Marketing and Communication Intern, Library and Information Services

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Publish date: 2025-08-20 00:00:00.0

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