KZN granny earns her PhD at 82
Dr Nontuthuzelo Nyasulu has become one of the most inspiring woman, after obtaining her PhD at age 82 from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
After graduating with her PhD at the age of 82, Dr Nontuthuzelo Nyasulu is proof that you're never too old to learn.
Dr Nyasulu obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a thesis entitled ‘A Family-Centred Postnatal Care Approach (FCPC) in Rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa’.
Her achievement comes after many years of working as a nurse. Dr Nyasulu, who was born in the Eastern Cape, began her journey as a general nurse before moving into midwifery, psychiatric nursing, advisory midwifery and neonatal nursing.
She also served as KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Maternal, Child and Women’s Health Coordinator.
Speaking about her achievement, the 82-year-old told UKZN: “I feel incredibly good and very excited. I still can’t believe that I have made it to the finish line. It has been such a long journey, with many challenges along the way, so reaching this point feels very special to me.”
Some of the challenges she faced during her academic journey were losing close family members, including her husband and daughter. Nyasulu lost her daughter in 2019, followed by the deaths of her two brothers and her husband.
She also had to deal with challenges that came with technology, which at times became obstacles and setbacks. However, with encouragement from her late brother, Professor Leonard Vuyani Mabinya, she continued to study until she reached her dream.
“In many ways, I feel that I did not walk this journey alone,” she said. “There were people around me who carried me when I no longer felt I could carry myself.”
Her story proves that no obstacle, not even age, health or whatever challenges life may bring, should stand in the way of pursuing your dreams.
Congratulations Dr Nyasulu.
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