From academic setbacks to master’s distinction: Unisa graduate’s journey of resilience

For nearly a decade, Itumeleng Mpete’s dream of obtaining a master’s degree was interrupted by motherhood, changing academic requirements and the challenge of balancing family, work and education. On 19 October 2026, that journey will culminate in a significant milestone when she graduates with distinction from the University of South Africa (Unisa).

For Mpete, a Corporate Marketing Specialist at Unisa Library and Information Services, the achievement represents more than a qualification. As the first person in her family to reach master’s level, she sees it as a personal triumph and an example of perseverance for her two daughters. Mpete’s postgraduate journey began in 2016 when she enrolled for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

She completed her coursework within the prescribed period and progressed to the research component, where her proposal was approved. However, her academic plans changed when she fell pregnant with her first child and suspended her studies for two years. Determined to complete her qualification, she returned to university, only to fall pregnant with her second child six months later. This resulted in another two-year interruption.

When Mpete was finally ready to resume her studies, she encountered an unexpected setback. Changes to the programme’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF) requirements meant that only four of her previously completed modules could be credited towards the revised qualification. Despite exploring alternatives at other universities, she faced the prospect of repeating much of her coursework. Rather than abandon her dream, Mpete began searching for another academic pathway, eventually finding an opportunity at Unisa.

Mpete’s determination was tested further when an individual approached her with an offer to complete her research in exchange for payment. She declined, believing that obtaining a qualification without developing the necessary research skills would undermine the purpose of postgraduate education. For Mpete, the journey was never simply about earning a certificate. She wanted to acquire the knowledge, analytical skills and intellectual independence needed to grow professionally.

Her decision reflected a commitment to academic integrity, even when taking a shortcut might have appeared easier. A turning point came through the encouragement of Prof Mpho Ngoepe, her former executive director, who advised her to explore opportunities within Unisa’s Department of Information Science. This connected her with Dr Daniel Mosako, who recognised the potential of her research and helped refine its direction.

A co-supervision arrangement with Prof Kgaogelo Boya followed, while Dr Matlala Mahlatji provided additional mentorship. Together, they guided Mpete through the demands of postgraduate research, helping her strengthen her academic confidence and develop as an independent scholar. Mosako commended her discipline and ability to integrate different fields of knowledge.

“Her dissertation demonstrates rigorous, independent and interdisciplinary research within a Comprehensive Open Distance e-Learning (CODeL) environment,” he said. Mahlatji similarly praised Mpete’s intellectual curiosity, accountability and willingness to engage critically with her work.

“She embraces constructive criticism, challenges her own thinking and applies academic knowledge to advance organisational priorities. Her commitment to strengthening the visibility and strategic positioning of Unisa Library and Information Services reflects her understanding of Unisa’s broader mission,” said Mahlatji. Their guidance demonstrated the importance of academic mentorship in helping postgraduate students overcome challenges and realise their potential.

Mpete’s dissertation, titled Corporate Identity as a Strategy for Enhancing the Visibility of Library and Information Services in Higher Education Institutions, examines how corporate identity can strengthen the visibility and strategic positioning of university libraries.

Drawing on business management, institutional communication and information science, her research explores how libraries can communicate their value more effectively within higher education institutions. University libraries play an important role in supporting teaching, learning and research. However, their contributions are not always sufficiently recognised or communicated.

Mpete’s study examines how a coherent corporate identity can improve institutional recognition and strengthen the positioning of library and information services. The research connects her professional experience in corporate marketing with academic inquiry, demonstrating how postgraduate scholarship can contribute to addressing practical institutional challenges. It also supports the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by highlighting the importance of information services that facilitate learning, research and access to knowledge.

Throughout her studies, Mpete balanced the demands of motherhood, employment and postgraduate research. Although raising two children contributed to delays in her academic journey, her daughters ultimately became her greatest motivation.

“Whenever things became difficult, I reminded myself that I was not doing this for myself alone,” she reflected. As the first person in her family to reach master’s level, Mpete understood that her achievement would carry significance beyond her personal ambitions. “It is about the example I am setting for my children,” she said.

Her experience demonstrates how flexible learning opportunities and supportive academic environments can help working professionals and parents pursue advanced qualifications. It also reflects the value of Unisa’s comprehensive open distance e-learning model in expanding access to postgraduate education. When Mpete received her academic results, the news marked the end of years of uncertainty, interrupted studies and difficult decisions.

Her achievement reflects perseverance, academic integrity and the value of mentorship in supporting student success. As she prepares to graduate on 19 October 2026, Mpete hopes her daughters will see her accomplishment as proof that setbacks need not determine one’s future. Her story also offers encouragement to students whose academic journeys have been delayed by personal responsibilities or unexpected challenges. For Mpete, the dream may have been deferred, but it was never abandoned.

* By Lesego Chiloane, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement