Eleven triumphs: A look at Unisa’s latest batch of doctoral graduates

Obtaining a doctoral degree is one of the greatest academic achievements in a student's life. It is more than a title – it is the culmination of years of study, research, sacrifice and self-discovery. This is an even more special journey at Unisa, given the institution's status as an open distance learning pioneer.

Unisa’s doctoral graduates tend to be working professionals, parents, and community leaders who embark on the monumental undertaking of studying while juggling multiple responsibilities. The doctoral graduates celebrated here embody this resilience and spirit of determination. Each has a story that uplifts, motivates, and affirms the value of higher education as a tool for personal and societal transformation.

Dr Elisha Pillay – A journey of faith, family, and fortitude

“From modest beginnings to six qualifications and a PhD at 46.”

This year, Dr Elisha Pillay earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree from Unisa, marking her sixth qualification from the institution, four of which she completed cum laude. Her story is one of grit, grace and growth. From completing matric to obtaining a doctorate, she has walked every step with Unisa by her side, balancing a full-time job, motherhood and academic life.

“Studying while working and raising children taught me discipline, perseverance and time management,” she reflects. Financial challenges were significant, which meant funding her own and her daughter’s university education, paying school fees and running a household. Thankfully, a bursary from Unisa eased that burden, allowing her to focus on her studies.

Her inspiration came from home. “As a primary school teacher, I was deeply moved by my husband's leadership as a school principal. He reminded me daily why our education system matters.” With the support of Dr Mabusela, Professor Mapheleba, and personal librarian Annemarie Strydom, she was never alone in her distance learning journey.

She notes that although the isolation of distance learning was real, she overcame those moments with faith, careful planning and purpose.

Message to students: “Take full advantage of the resources Unisa offers. Remember why you started this journey. Keep sight of your goal and work towards it. Sometimes, it feels like the odds are stacked against you, but keep going. Your background does not determine your destiny. You can break barriers and rewrite your story with hard work, faith, and resilience. Look at my story – from humble beginnings to a PhD at the age of 46. This is not just my celebration; it is a message of hope.”

From left: Dr Nalini Pillay, Dr Thokozani Sithole, Dr Vusi Bian Thenjwayo, r Gloria Nozipho Mthiyane, and Dr Netisha Ramjatan

Dr Nalini Pillay – A wheelchair, a dream, and a PhD

“Typing through pain, to show my children that the sky is the limit.”

Dr Nalini Pillay, who received a PhD in Adult Education and Training (AET) on 9 June 2025, began her academic career in business management, assuming she would remain in the corporate world, but her passion gradually shifted to teaching. Her doctoral journey was anything but conventional: after two major leg surgeries left her in a wheelchair, the journey towards her PhD required immense physical and mental strength.

“Typing on a laptop from a wheelchair was not easy,” she shares. “I pushed through the pain with a strong mindset. I wanted to achieve a lifelong dream and show my children that no matter your age or circumstances, the possibilities are endless.”

She credits Professor MM Dichaba, her supervisor, with never giving up on her, not even when she was ready to do so. “When the tears rolled because of the intense pain, Professor Dichaba had a way of calming me,” Pillay recalls. She describes her entire Unisa journey – from undergraduate to PhD candidate – as incredibly positive, having earned all her degrees through Unisa.

Message to students: “Consider a university like Unisa that takes pride in this type of education delivery. It is a place that is always available for assistance when you feel lost and need someone to assist. It is an exciting experience. However, always remember that tenacity and fortitude are necessary for success.”

Dr Thokozani Sithole – Psychology, purpose, and perseverance

“Never betray yourself. Even when the going gets tough, you’ve got this.”

On 10 June 2025, Dr Thokozani Sithole was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, specialising in Consulting Psychology – a field he chose to make a real difference. His journey, however, was not without challenges. Maintaining a delicate balance between work, life, and academic commitments made for a tough experience, but he overcame it with the support of family, friends, and dedicated academic staff.

Sithole was also awarded a bursary, easing financial pressure and allowing him to focus on his research. He found motivation and clarity in research seminars, and appreciated the national exclusivity of his chosen qualification, which is offered only by Unisa.

Message to students: “Keep going, especially when the going gets tough… you’ve got this!”

Dr Vusi Bian Thenjwayo – Leading education transformation

“A rollercoaster ride with moments of profound insight.”

Dr Vusi Bian Thenjwayo was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education Management on 9 June 2025, having been motivated by a desire to contribute to educational transformation in South Africa. He describes his academic journey as a rollercoaster ride, filled with anxiety but also moments of profound insight and growth.

Thenjwayo found Unisa’s workshops particularly productive and motivational, and thrived in an environment that allowed him to work independently.

Message to students: “You must be focused, disciplined and patient.”

Dr Gloria Nozipho Mthiyane – Nurse educator with a vision

“Prayer, planning and purpose led me to self-actualisation.”

On 11 June 2025, Dr Gloria Mthiyane was awarded a PhD in Nursing Science, focusing on Nursing Education – a degree based on her desire to enhance the nursing profession by making a scholarly contribution. She describes her time at Unisa as both fulfilling and goal-oriented, allowing her to align her academic journey with her professional aspirations.

Balancing full-time employment, family responsibilities and raising children made for a challenging path. However, prior planning, effective time management and unwavering faith helped her navigate these complexities. Mthiyane credits Unisa’s clear guidelines, bursary support, video tutorials, access to library resources, and data provision as instrumental in helping her to stay on track.

For Mthiyane, Unisa’s flexible learning model, with unlimited access to supervisors and lecturers, was a perfect fit.

Message to students: “Self-motivation and working independently are key if you want to succeed through Unisa.”

Dr Netisha Ramjatan – Psychology fuelled by compassion

“From personal pain to public purpose – a PhD born of lived experience.”

On 9 June 2025, Dr Netisha Ramjatan graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology degree, following a journey that stemmed from her family's struggles with mental health. Her commitment to helping others was clear from her very first degree – a BA in Psychology – and her journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Over 16 consecutive years at Unisa, she earned five degrees, including a PGCE, a BEd Honours, a master’s and now a PhD.

Her greatest challenge came in the form of ill health. Despite being hospitalised just before submitting her final thesis, Ramjatan pressed on, motivated by a deep sense of purpose and a strong support system at home, including her husband and children. She also received consistent support from Professor Kesh Mohangi, her supervisor for both her master’s and doctoral studies.

Ramjatan describes Unisa as a space where adult learners can thrive, provided they manage their time well and stay connected to the university’s many support systems.

Message to students: “Studying through Unisa allows you to shape your future through self-paced learning. However, it is important for an individual to be disciplined, have good time management skills and a proactive attitude. I encourage you to use the support services available at Unisa and stay connected with your fellow students and tutors/lecturers. Most importantly, keep your goals in sight and remember that distance learning does not mean you are alone: you are part of a powerful network of students striving for success. Remember that perseverance, commitment and dedication are action words; as a student, you need to put these words into action to achieve your goals. It may be difficult, but it's certainly not impossible.”

From left: Dr Thandeka Praiseworth Nsele, Dr Dhanasagree Govende, Dr Liesl Scheepers, Dr Brian Suckling, and Dr Thembelihle Wilmoth Simelane

Dr Thandeka Praiseworth Nsele – The heart of the curriculum

“Designing education for diversity, with patience and passion.”

On 9 June 2025, Dr Thandeka Nsele received a Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree, focusing on Curriculum and Instructional Studies. She aimed to redesign education to meet the needs of a diverse generation, one marked by multiple languages and varied learning styles.

Although technology presented a challenge, Nsele overcame obstacles through constant communication with her supervisors and various support structures. A bursary and patient and encouraging supervisors kept her motivated and allowed her to focus entirely on her studies. She describes her time at Unisa as an excellent, confidence-building experience.

She particularly valued the flexibility of studying from home and the supportive nature of everyone involved.

Message to students: “Unisa is the best university I have ever attended. The patience they have for their students is out of this world. They are very supportive.”

Dr Dhanasagree Govender – Giving voice to the silenced

“Abused nurses found solace in sharing, and her study became a tool for change.”

Dr Dhanasagree Govender was awarded a PhD in Nursing Science on 11 June 2025, having conducted a powerful study into intimate partner violence (IPV) among nurses. Her research revealed deeply personal and often hidden stories: many participants shared their experiences for the first time, feeling relief and validation in the process.

Recruiting participants for such a sensitive topic was challenging, as was gaining permission from their respective institutions. Govender persisted by emailing detailed information to management and applying snowball sampling techniques to reach more participants. The model she developed is now a tool to help healthcare managers support staff dealing with IPV.

Govender flourished in Unisa's distance learning environment thanks to a bursary, an exceptional supervisor, and her being an independent learner.

Message to students: “I have been with Unisa from my BCur to my PHD. Both my children will be applying to Unisa to complete their postgraduate studies. Unisa is cost-effective, lecturers and supervisors are supportive, and it is the ideal institution for independent learners.”

Dr Liesl Scheepers – Learning to teach from a distance

“From managing distance education to mastering it.”

To graduate with a PhD in Education on 11 June 2025, Dr Liesl Scheepers focused her research on open distance learning – a field she directly manages as part of her role at the IIE's Varsity College Online Centre. Her academic journey, from a master’s to a PhD, was shaped by her deep understanding of the distance education milieu.

Scheepers describes her studies as enjoyable and supported by an exceptional supervisor, Professor Geesje Van den Berg. However, she notes that administrative issues remained unresolved, including an incorrect academic transcript from her master’s degree, despite years of follow-up.

Despite these frustrations, her passion and curiosity kept her going. She particularly valued the freedom to study online and the engagement she experienced while pursuing her master’s qualification.

Message to students: “If you're pursuing a postgraduate qualification at Unisa, you are in good hands.”

Dr Brian Suckling – Soaring high with law and aviation

“A tough ride, but I reached my destination.”

Dr Brian Suckling graduated with an LLD in International Law on 11 June 2025, with his research focus on aviation, a field that merges legal frameworks with global mobility. The path wasn’t always smooth – nevertheless, Suckling endured.

Fuelled by clear goals and supported by a diligent supervisor, he kept his eyes on the finish line and achieved what he had set out to do – graduate with a doctoral degree from one of Africa’s leading open distance learning institutions.

Message to students: “Consider all your options.”

Dr Thembelihle Wilmoth Simelane – The maths literacy champion

“Teaching teachers to teach better, one equation at a time.”

On 9 June 2025, Dr Thembelihle Simelane was awarded a Doctor of Education degree, with a research focus on Mathematics Education. His mission: to improve the teaching and learning of mathematical literacy in schools by equipping educators with better tools and methodologies.

He describes his journey with Unisa as one filled with encouragement. “All the staff members were supportive and always ready to assist,” he says. His biggest hurdle was financial, but he could stay the course thanks to a bursary from Unisa and a dedicated supervisor.

Passion was his fuel: a passion for math, for teaching, and for the impact quality education can have on future generations.

Message to students: “Keep your eyes on the ultimate goal you have set for yourself.”

Each of these 11 scholars represents more than academic excellence – they all embody courage and endurance and testify to the transformative power of education. Their journeys prove that success is possible despite obstacles, especially with the assistance of a supportive institution such as Unisa. These new academic doctors will go on to shape communities, influence policy, inspire the next generation and rewrite what is possible.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025, Unisa is proud to call you alumni.

* By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, KwaZulu-Natal Region