A 23 years old North-West University student, Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe, is set to break academic records on graduating in October by becoming one of the youngest holders of a PhD degree in Africa.
At the age of 23 Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe will achieve a historic feat in October when she graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in industrial psychology, according to Drum magazine.
The North West University (NWU) student was reportedly born in Zimbabwe and raised in Botswana before she moved to SA to embark on her studies at the age of 16, when she matriculated. Despite attaining her degree in 2013, Musawenkosi said she battled to find employment.
Based in the Mafikeng Campus of NWU Saurombe recently submitted her PhD thesis in Industrial Psychology, making her the youngest most educated woman in Africa, according a NWU statement. She joins a list of elite record breaking young scholars that have wowed the world. Such a list include Dr Sandile Kubheka who graduated in 2014 with an MBChB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Her persistent attitude keeps her focused on her vision and drives her to achieve her purpose in life, “I am defined by my African name ‘Musawenkosi’ which means ‘God’s grace’ and indeed my life continues to be a story of God’s Grace” she said.
“My message to women is that before you are a woman, you are a human being and always remember that you were created with intricacy and precision.”
“We each have a purpose on this earth and it is our duty as women to fulfil our purpose. We must stop trying to be like men or better than them because there is a much more profound work that necessitates our diligent application, therefore we must not let ourselves be distracted in a futile quest to be better than others, but rather to be better than the woman we were yesterday.
“We are destined for greatness.”
The Golden Key International Honour Society in Tucson, Arizona, recently confirmed that Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe will become the youngest woman in Africa to receive a PhD in Industrial Psychology.
She is one of the few academics to have taken part in the annual international summit of the Golden Key International Honour Society which was recently held in the USA. At the summit she was granted the opportunity of presenting her research which gave her international recognition.
She also serves on the executive management for Golden Key Mafikeng Campus, which is responsible for organising and directing community service events for the organisation. This ensures that the Golden Key Committee reaches out and makes impact in the communities.
Her PhD thesis looked into the talent value propositions for academic staff members in higher education. And it was recently admitted by NWU, making her the youngest person to graduate with a PhD.
“It became a challenge for me to break the record and it became my source of motivation and inspiration,” Musawenkosi said.
The job seeker and aspirant singer in her spare time, further adds: “I am defined by my African name ‘Musawenkosi’, which means ‘God’s grace’, and indeed my life continues to be a story of God’s grace.”
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