First graduate in her family gets a PhD

As a proud Ndebele woman from Mpumalanga, Dr Thulisile Bhuda left her home in 2013 for greener pastures, unaware of what lay ahead. Being the first in her family to ever go to university, her initial goal was to get a degree and hopefully get a job afterwards.

“I didn’t have a plan when I left, but I knew I was always meant to achieve great things and that I would not be a victim of my circumstances,” she said. Four years later, she obtained a Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems with distinction. She was the only one on the continent to get a distinction since the programme changed faculties and curriculum.

Her outstanding achievement earned her a merit bursary, and she was motivated to study further. She also managed to pass her Master’s with flying colours and secured herself a spot in the PhD programme in 2019.

“Throughout my studies, I surrounded myself with people I con-sidered to be more focused and determined than me. This motivat-ed me always to put my best foot forward and never to give up,” the 29-year-old said. “I clapped hands for my peers while I waited for my turn.

Now, in 2022, I obtained a PhD in Social Sciences with Indigenous Knowledge Systems,” she said proudly. Extremely modest about her achievement, Dr Bhuda says learning never stops and that the hard work is only about to start.

Currently a lecturer at the University of Mpumalanga and a children’s book author, the inspiring ac-ademic has 15 academic publications to her name. “I obtained my PhD with 15 academic publications, three related to the study, seven full papers accepted and awaiting publication and 27 abstracts/papers presented at diverse conferences.

Despite her outstanding achievements, Dr Bhuda says things are no different for her at home, and she is glad it is that way. “My family is extremely happy for me. On the day of my graduation, they posted photos to congratulate me, but I don’t think they truly understand what it means, and that’s okay with me,” she said.

“A day after my graduation, it was life as we know it. I was expected to do house chores and continue as normal,” she laughed. Dr Bhuda hopes her achievements will serve as an inspiration to anyone who comes from a disadvantaged background and is looking to achieve great things.

“It is possible if you put your mind to it. Always put your best foot forward; be available when an opportunity arises, and always be proactive,” she concluded.