“A Person Must Remain Ready to Live”: 80-Year-Old Karoo Farmer Graduates From UCT
- A Karoo sheep farmer completed his Master of Commerce in Economics at the University of Cape Town at the age of 80
- His research focused on how Karoo farmers survived an unprecedented drought between 2013 and 2022 without any state aid
- The UCT graduation video moved South Africans across the country, with many calling his achievement a lasting legacy
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Source: Facebook
An 80-year-old sheep farmer from the Karoo walked across the stage at the University of Cape Town on 17 September 2026 to collect his Master of Commerce in Economics degree. His graduation, shared on the UCT Facebook page, quickly moved people across South Africa.
The farmer, who describes the sheep farm as the place where he feels most at home, said the journey had been deeply meaningful.
"I have learned that a person must remain ready to live. And that keeps you surviving. It was a challenge for me, and I think it gave meaning to my life."
Research rooted in the Karoo
His master's research centred on livestock farming in the western Karoo during one of its most punishing periods. He studied the practices farmers adopted between 2013 and 2022, a stretch marked by severe drought and no government support.
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"It was a huge adjustment for the farmers and financially difficult for them to handle, but they survived it and are currently recovering," he said.
He also called for scenario planning to become standard in agriculture, noting it is still a novelty in farming circles despite being widely used in big business. He hopes his work will encourage further research into livestock farming under climate uncertainty.
South Africa reacts to the UCT graduate
South Africans in the comments on the UCT Facebook reel were deeply moved by the story:
@Emma Esterhuizen wrote:
"Congratulations, what a wonderful achievement and example!!!!"
@Teresa Roelofse McGregor shared:
"Unbelievable uncle! I was privileged to visit with uncle one afternoon in Calvinia!"
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@Christina Botha added:
"Uncle Charl, I know your family is proud. You can really pat yourself on the shoulder. This is such a great achievement."
@Matthys Johan Lotz said:
"Well done! Everyone in Calvinia is proud of Uncle's accomplishment!"
@Aida Lewis wrote:
"Congratulations. Then people were surprised when I got my degree at 58."
@Keith Ronald Wildschut simply said:
"You are an inspiration to me."
See the full clip below:
More on inspiring SA graduations
- Briefly News recently reported on a University of Venda student who dropped to one knee to propose to his girlfriend right on his graduation day.
- A UKZN engineering graduate built an AI system that translates South African Sign Language into speech in real time.
- A forensic pathologist honoured GBV victims at his own graduation with a deliberate and meaningful tribute.
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Source: Briefly News
