A doctorate for young Vaalian
“I never thought there would be money for studying.” An uncle, aunt and grandfather joined forces and entered him at NWU for a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and Electronics.
SEBOKENG. – He believed so firmly that university studies were not for him that he, Lehlohonolo Phali of Sebokeng, did not bother applying for a bursary toward the end of his matric year.
His family’s belief in this bright spark, however, led to him – on Wednesday, May 4, at the age of 28 – clinching a doctorate in Applied Mathematics from the North West-University’s (NWU’s) Mafikeng Campus.
“I was overwhelmed,” Phali said after the graduation ceremony. “My mother was in tears and my brothers and aunt were very proud.”
Professor Dan Kgwadi, vice chancellor of the NWU, said a doctorate at 28 was a great achievement for a township child like Phali, who did not grow up in ideal circumstances. “This shows that focusing on ones studies instead of on campus politics has its rewards. Phali is a role model,” said Kgwadi.
“I was very keen on Maths and clinched distinctions in Maths and Applied Maths when I matriculated,” Phali said.
Phali’s father Lazarus died in 2003. His mother Moipone didn’t work. “My two older brothers Zacharia (a film producer) and Tumelo (a businessman) helped.
“I never thought there would be money for studying.” An uncle, aunt and grandfather joined forces and entered him at NWU for a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and Electronics.
“They could only pay for one year of study. I worked hard from the beginning to get bursaries for the rest of my studies.” Due to his dedication, Phali clinched a bursary to study as from his second year through a bursary from, amongst others, the National Energy Corporation, NERSA.
He clinched his master’s degree in 2011 and was subsequently appointed as a lecturer in Applied Mathematics at the Mafikeng Campus.
For his doctoral thesis he developed a formula for the movement of any substance through porous materials like reservoirs or solid structures. “Both of my mentors – Prof Matthew Kambule and Eno Ebonso – inspired me. I am also greatly indebted to Prof Kgwadi and Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele (Rector of the Mafikeng Campus).”
