WSU LECTURER RECEIVES DOCTORAL DEGREE AT AGE 64

A lecturer in the Department of Maths, Science and Technology Education (MSTE), Dr Nondwe Daphne Mtshatsha, has added yet another accolade to her highly decorated profile after obtaining her Doctor of Education degree at the institution's Spring graduation on 27 September.

Mtshatsha was one of over 800 graduates whose degrees and diplomas were conferred by WSU Chancellor, Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo at the university's Mthatha Campus.

A seasoned professional in the field of Consumer Studies, the 64-year-old scholar said that despite having neared the retirement age, her family and Honours students whom she supervised, encouraged her to pursue her highest qualification yet.  

Reflecting on the journey that propelled her to a doctoral degree, Mtshatsha said that it was not without challenges, but maintained that it also came with a myriad of triumphs that have shaped the accomplished leader and educator she is today.

“I am definitely excited. At my age, one wouldn’t typically think of studying again. But I want to give credit to my honours students, who I supervised to completion. I also want to give credit to my family, my husband, my children, and my helper, who have all supported me throughout my studies,” said Mtshatsha.

At the core of Mtshatsha’s pursuit of the degree was a purposeful drive aimed at positioning consumer studies as a school subject with a tangible impact on learners' future employability.

Her thesis titled “Positioning Consumer Studies to Enhance Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition in Selected Eastern Cape Secondary Schools”, highlighted the crucial role that Consumer Studies could have on students’ self-sufficiency and economic growth.

Mtshatsha argues that the subject could be strategically positioned to promote the development of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, and ultimately contribute to job creation and economic growth among secondary school learners in the Eastern Cape province.

“This subject is very crucial for young ones who study this subject from the further education and training phase in high school. Even if one does not want to go to a university or to a TVET college, having learnt those skills will be enough for self-employment,” said Mtshatsha.

The avid scholar and teacher asserted that despite being ready to retire next year, she will still be actively involved in advocating for collaborations between the public and private sector to ensure that schools produce learners that are ready to be effective economic role players.

“Working in silos doesn't help. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) alone, without involving the private sector, is ineffective. Schools need to collaborate with SETAs and understand if the skills taught in high schools are relevant to industry needs. Partnerships between the DBE, SETAs, and the private sector are crucial for addressing youth unemployment in South Africa,” said Mtshatsha.

Mtshatsha has held multiple leadership roles within WSU, including Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education, Head of the Department of Consumer Sciences, as well as head of the Department of Continuing and Adult Professional Teacher Education.

Her extensive academic qualifications include Senior Home Economics Teacher’s Qualification (SHTC), a BA in Education, a Bachelor of Consumer Science, a Bachelor of Education Honours, and a Master of Education degree.

By Yanga Ziwele