"Age Is Just a Number": Dr Dolly Nyasulu Earns PhD from UKZN at Age 82
- Dr Dolly Nyasulu graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal at the age of 82
- Her doctoral research focused on a family-centred approach to postnatal care in rural KwaZulu-Natal, a model not yet fully adopted in South Africa
- Nyasulu completed the degree after years of personal loss, including the deaths of her daughter, two brothers and her husband
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Dr Dolly Nontuthuzelo Nyasulu has made history at 82. The retired healthcare professional graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal on 15 September 2026, becoming a source of inspiration for South Africans across the country.
Source: UGC
PhD graduate Dr Nyasulu spent decades working in nursing, midwifery and healthcare policy. She served as the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Maternal, Child and Women's Health Coordinator and helped shape national policy on maternal and newborn health. Colleagues remember her as a formidable figure in the field, with one describing her as "the mother of midwifery in SA."
Dr Nyasulu's doctoral thesis explored a Family-Centred Postnatal Care approach in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The research argued for greater family involvement in the care of new mothers and newborns, with families working alongside midwives and other healthcare providers. While this model has been embraced internationally, Nyasulu found that South Africa has yet to fully implement it. She believes doing so could strengthen outcomes and help save lives. She said:
"This study feels like a full-circle moment for me."
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The road to her doctorate was not without heartbreak. During her studies, Nyasulu lost her daughter, two brothers and her husband, Guy. According to UKZN, she also navigated health setbacks and the steep learning curve of new technology. Through it all, her family and academic supervisors kept her going.
Now retired, she remains open to new opportunities and continues to champion maternal, newborn and women's health. See the UKZN announcement that got South Africa talking below:
SA applauds new PhD holder
Readers and former colleagues flooded the comments with admiration:
Pia Nokuphila Nhleko wrote:
"Uyambona umuntu ongaphuzi [You can see a person who doesn't drink], she looks 20 years younger. This one doesn't touch alcohol."
Nokubonga Nana Vundla said:
"And here I am feeling so old 😭"
French Mbombo shared:
"Dear Dolly, our mentor, the mother of midwifery in SA. We were all trained under her watchful eye ❤️"
Banele Mlambo declared:
"Age is just a number 🔥"
Nishana Chenade Wilson added:
"Proof that you are never too old to chase your dreams ✨❤🥺"
Thobe KaMacings said:
"Wow Sis Dolly wow so inspiring bakithi [everyone] congratulations Dr Nyasulu 💕"
Jo Hatutale simply stated:
"What a story! Very inspiring."
Other Briefly News stories about graduations
- South Africans were moved by a young graduate from Soweto who paid tribute to his township roots while collecting his qualification on stage at Wits University.
- An elderly student inspired Mzansi after crossing the UNISA graduation stage to collect his qualification at age 71.
- A female graduate walking along a coastal promenade in her gown was surprised when municipal workers and passersby formed a spontaneous circle around her.
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Source: Briefly News
