After becoming wheelchair-bound, 80-year-old Dr Jeffery sought purpose and became a student again. Mission accomplished, as he recently got his PhD from The University of Johannesburg!
Johannesburg, South Africa (27 March, 2023) — It’s never too late or too early (in some cases) to become whoever you want to be. F.Scott Fitzgerald’s words certainly apply to many incredible South Africans going against the grain, including Dr Robert Jeffery. Meet the 80-year-old PhD graduate who recently owned the graduation stage at the University of Johannesburg for all the right reasons.
For many, becoming a student during retirement isn’t hot on the agenda. For Jeffery, going back to University was more of a hunger for purpose than a thirst for knowledge.
Wheelchair-bound and retired, he set to task and proved that mind, time and time again, surpasses matter.
The standing ovation Dr Jeffery received as he and his wheelchair graced the graduation stage, was earned for another reason beyond dedication. Over and above going back to the books and committing to a thesis for four years —through Covid-19 —Dr Jeffery’s goal was also linked to the literal light of others.
“It is necessary to have a purpose and I wanted a subject that would challenge me and would give a positive result for all South Africans especially the unemployed and poor.”—Dr Jeffery.
For Jeffery, the light he could shed was knowledge and solutions on the dark elephant in the room for South Africans. His thesis focused on the electricity generation industry in SA, looking at the best course of action we as a country can take to reach the light at the end of our seemingly endless tunnel. Four years and a lot of loadshedding later, Dr Jeffery’s work shares much-needed research.
However, this isn’t Dr Jeffery’s first rodeo with energy, or remarkable moments. During his career, he also did a lot of work as an energy consultant, ran large companies and taught.
Considering whether it was time to put all he’s learned to pen one day, the 80-year-old PhD graduate did exactly that, per News24.
According to his supervisor, Prof Andre Nel, “Dr Jeffrey was a pleasure to work with, even dedicating himself through the Covid-19 period with ill health.”
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Dr Jeffery’s story serves as a reminder for all of us that a little inspiration is worth more than any doubt. Obstacles are made to be overcome, and we may just have one less loadshedding headache because of academics like him.
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