Nightwatchman Turned PhD Graduate Goes Down in Mzansi’s History Books: “Well Done, Dr Daniels”
- Dr Andries Daniels recently bagged his PhD in viticulture from Stellenbosch University, the same facility he worked as a night watchman at
- Daniels is not only making moves for himself but for Mzansi as a whole as the facility described him as the first black South African man to obtain a PhD in the field
- South African social media users are hyped up with the news of Daniels doing the most as they took the time out to congratulate him online
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Dr Andries Jerrick Daniels is making moves in the education sector. The 40-year-old bagged his PhD in viticulture from Stellenbosch University (SU) recently. The institution describes him as the first black SA man to bag a doctorate in viticulture.
Daniels worked as a nightwatchman at SU's Visual Arts building while completing his undergraduate degree. He stated that he wanted to make something of his life and when the job of nightwatchman arose, he grabbed it with both hands.
Viticulture revolves around the protection, cultivation and harvesting of grapes outdoors. Daniels believes it has taken too long for a person of colour in Mzansi to secure a PhD, considering how long this field has been around in SA.
Source: Facebook
According to News24, Daniels has been working as a research technician at the Agricultural Research Council Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in Stellenbosch for 16 years now. Last year, he paired up with his supervisor Phyllis Burger and they released Mzansi's first raisin grape cultivar - Sundowner.
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Daniels hopes that they can release another cultivar soon, according to HeraldLIVE.
South Africans come together to congratulate Daniels
@Celtis_Africana shared:
"Don't you just love it when a determined person achieves such high goals when all odds are stacked against him? Well done, Dr Daniels."
@kidmago said:
"Every success! Keep it up!"
@DeDailyRant wrote:
"Brilliant, congrats!"
@jossieu added:
"Oh man! I’m so proud of him!! Andries!!!"
Eastern Cape man bags Stellenbosch PhD despite the odds
Previously, Briefly News reported that Dr Simthembile Xeketwana is a living testament of perseverance despite all odds. The recent Stellenbosch University graduate, who used to walk long distances barefoot to and from school, bagged his Philosophy degree (PhD) in Curriculum Studies.
As a young boy, Simthembile faced several challenges such as having to walk long distances and crossing rivers to get to school. Speaking to Stellenbosch University, he shared how his background resonated with many young learners who face similar challenges.
They walk long distances to school, have no shoes and are going to school without a meal. I would like them to know that with hard work, perseverance and dedication one can achieve what you are destined to achieve."
Source: Briefly News
