Stellenbosch PhD Graduate Walks the Mile, from Barefoot Boy to Doctor in Academia
- Simthembile Xeketwana graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with his PhD this week despite a difficult upbringing
- The PhD graduate grew up in the Eastern Cape where he endured various hardships including walking barefoot and crossing rivers to get to school
- The Eastern Cape academic boasts six qualifications and shines as an inspiration to South Africa’s youth
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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 this week.
Source: Facebook
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 on 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."
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His PhD study is about multilingual education in South African schools of learners from diverse language backgrounds.
This is Simthembile's sixth qualification. He undoubtedly thrives in his element of academia, in addition to his recent accomplishment, he is also a lecturer at the University's faculty of education. He is also the head of Huis Francie van Zijl on SU's Tygerberg campus.
Source: Facebook
The Eastern Cape born academic, shared he hopes that his story will motivate youth who are experiencing hardships.
Beauty & Brains: Young lass bags Master’s degree, leaves peeps in awe
Previously, Briefly News reported on another inspirational milestone of a young woman who clinched her Master's degree with flying colours.
Mzansi praised the beautiful woman who posted on social media about bagging her Master’s degree.
The brainy beauty not only passed her degree but did so with cum laude and that had tweeps singing her praises.
Source: Briefly News
