Africans rising
Meet Musa Saurombe Africa’s youngest female PhD graduate
At 23 Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe has made history, graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Psychology, from the North-West University – Mafikeng, in South Africa. Musa’s PhD thesis passed without corrections, a remarkable feat. She joins a list of elite record breaking young scholars that have wowed the world. A hearty congratulations on the remarkable achievement.
At 23 Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe has made history, graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Psychology, from the North-West University – Mafikeng, in South Africa. Musa’s PhD thesis passed without corrections, a remarkable and laudable feat.
Saurombe has earned herself the title of youngest woman to earn a PhD in Africa according to a statement by the University. She joins a list of elite record breaking young scholars that have wowed the world. These include Dr Sandile Kubheka who graduated in 2014 with an MBChB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Her PhD thesis explored “The Management perspectives on a talent value proposition for academic staff in a South African Higher Education Institution”. She wanted to explore a topic that would greatly contribute to her field of study.
“Congratulations to 23 year old Musawenkosi Saurombe. She is the youngest female PHD Graduate in Africa with a Research thesis of No Corrections & Ammendments,” North West University.
Saurombe was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Botswana. She has always been a smart student, having skipped Grade 3 and promoted to Grade 4 after just one term. After completing matric at the age of 16, she decided to move to South Africa to pursue a bachelor’s degree at North-West University (NWU).
According to NWU, she started her university career with a BCom at the age of 16 which she completed at 19. Leading to her postgraduate studies, she received her honours and master’s degrees with distinctions at the age of 20 and 21 respectively.
Musa Saurombe receives her PhD from Mr Franco Nkoana, registrar on the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng. Photo: NWU
Musa is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng, and is responsible for the teaching and supervision of postgraduate students, the University reported.
Musa has been nurturing her passion and commitment towards community service, and she talks to women about women empowerment, sharing her personal journey to success.
“I am grateful to God for the milestone I have reached – this day has been long awaited. I am especially overwhelmed that I passed my thesis with no corrections. It can only be Him at work in all of this,” NWU quoted her saying.
https://twitter.com/NWUMafikeng/status/856823383367065602
In an interview with Drum she said “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”.
Sarombe 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. Recently she travelled to the United States to take 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.
