From theology to technology, nursing to decolonial scholarship – meet the extraordinary graduates who crossed the stage in Durban on 20 and 21 October 2025. These remarkable scholars turned distance learning into a journey of self-discovery, resilience and purpose. They are the Unisa doctoral voices that echo across disciplines, each carrying a story of courage and conviction.

Every doctoral journey begins with a question and often ends with transformation. For these six Unisa graduates, the road to a PhD or doctoral degree was more than an academic pursuit. It was a test of patience, purpose and personal growth.

Across diverse disciplines, one thread connects them all: the belief that education is not a privilege for the few but a bridge that connects passion with progress. From environmental reform to cultural reclamation, each story reflects what makes Unisa’s model of open distance learning both challenging and extraordinary – it demands not only intelligence but independence.

These are not stories of overnight success. They are stories of long nights, quiet victories and the unshakeable determination to finish what was started.

Dr Jenine Ramsamooj – pursuing justice through law

For Dr Jenine Ramsamooj, earning an LLD from Unisa represents more than an academic milestone – it is the realisation of a lifelong commitment to justice.

Her legal research was grounded in critical analysis and innovation, reflecting her sharp intellect and disciplined curiosity. Known among peers for her unwavering ethics and precision, Ramsamooj’s achievement stands as an inspiration to women in law who continue to challenge old paradigms and redefine leadership in South African jurisprudence.

Her journey is proof that dedication, guided by purpose, can turn legal theory into a force for societal change.

Dr Nqobile Zungu – a voice for environmental compliance

For Dr Nqobile Zungu, the journey towards a PhD in Environmental Management was one of persistence and purpose. His research focused on strengthening environmental compliance within South African municipalities - a task that required approval from ten different local authorities.

"It was an amazing learning experience filled with growth and development," he reflects. Time management and communication became his compass through a maze of bureaucracy.

Zungu’s goal remains clear: "To help municipalities comply with environmental legislation so that we safeguard our environment for future generations."

He credits Unisa for providing him with exceptional supervision and bursary support. His advice to others is confident and sincere: "Come to Unisa. Don’t waste time. This is the best distance learning institution in the country."

Dr Bongangani Mhlongo – giving a voice to parents and teens

Teenage pregnancy and HIV infection remain pressing issues in rural KwaZulu-Natal, a reality that inspired Dr Bongangani Mhlongo’s doctoral study in Nursing. Her research examined communication strategies between parents and teenagers about sexuality education.

"I thought maybe strengthening these conversations could help reduce teenage pregnancies," she says.

The road was not without hurdles – especially after receiving a "correct and resubmit" examiner’s report – but her persistence never wavered. "I don’t leave tasks unfinished," she says proudly. Supported by her dedicated supervisors, she refined her thesis until it reflected both academic excellence and community compassion.

Having studied with Unisa since the start of her academic journey, she expresses deep gratitude for the institution’s flexibility and support. Her message to new students is firm yet hopeful: "Unisa understands your struggles. Go ahead and register, but take responsibility for your studies. It’s all on you."

Dr Rodney Philip Pfeiffer – faith, family and the power of perseverance

"Theology must live in the world," says Dr Rodney Pfeiffer, who completed his PhD in Practical Theology – a growing discipline that connects faith to daily human experience.

His years of study presented numerous challenges, particularly in gaining access to research participants; however, perseverance and prayer became his guiding lights. "My family supported me throughout," he shares, "and my supervisor was invaluable."

Though distance learning presented occasional communication hurdles, Dr Pfeiffer describes Unisa as "a prestigious institution of higher learning". His advice to others is simple yet profound: "Stay focused until you achieve your goals."

Dr Antonie Fourie – redefining business leadership in the digital age

When technology meets leadership, innovation happens. For Dr Antonie Fourie, whose Doctor of Business Leadership explored how fintech enables business model innovation, Unisa provided the ideal environment for intellectual freedom.

"It was an amazing journey of self-discovery," he reflects. "The faculty showed incredible professionalism, and I had the freedom to explore my interests in depth."

Balancing work, home life and doctoral research tested his discipline, but the support of his family and supervisor carried him through. "Distance learning gave me flexibility," he says. "But it also taught me to take full ownership of my journey."

His message to future students captures the heart of Unisa’s ethos: "Studying at Unisa is empowering, but it’s up to you to make the most of it."

Dr Lethiwe Zondo – reclaiming the erased histories of the Batwa nation

Few dissertations confront power as boldly as Dr Lethiwe Zondo’s. Her PhD in Development Studies challenged the colonial and academic silence surrounding the Batwa nation - a people whose history had been buried under centuries of oppression.

"Some examiners resisted linking the Batwa’s demise to colonialism," she recalls. "But I met resistance with patience and precision."

Every critique became an opportunity to refine her argument. By grounding her research in Indigenous cosmology, she turned discomfort into dialogue, reclaiming erased voices through scholarship.

Her words carry the weight of ancestral duty: "It became a spiritual covenant – to speak where silence was enforced, to write where bones were buried without names."

When her first supervisor passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, Unisa once again proved its humanity. She explains: "Professor Cornwall helped me find Professor Oloruntoba, who became my source of strength. I also received financial and emotional support from staff, especially Dr Mbele."

She smiles as she reflects on the process. "Distance learning removes personalities and leaves only knowledge – that’s the beauty of it."

Her message to future researchers is poetic yet powerful: "Never let the discomfort of examiners silence the truth your ancestors entrusted to you. Resistance means your research matters. The ancestors passed you the pen – don’t drop it, even when the room grows cold."

These Unisa doctoral graduates represent more than academic achievement – they embody resilience, purpose and transformation. Whether tackling environmental policy, healing communities through nursing or reclaiming Indigenous history, their stories reflect the spirit of Unisa: self-discipline, perseverance and the freedom to learn on one's own terms.

Their voices remind us that true education does not just inform – it transforms. It calls on each of us to dig deeper, to question more boldly and to carry forward the knowledge that shapes a better, more just world.

* By Jo Cossavella, Communication Officer, Unisa KwaZulu-Natal