You’re never too
Where there’s a will, there’s a way and age should not be an obstacle to obtaining your master’s degree or doctorate. This seems to be the motto of three age-defying graduates who received their postgraduate qualifications at the NWU earlier this year.
for postgraduate studies
young or too old
Musawenkosi “Musa” Saurombe (23) was the youngest and Dr Coenraad Bezuidenhout (83), the oldest PhD graduate at the NWU’s autumn graduation ceremonies this year, while Marius Oosthuysen (75) was the oldest person to receive a master’s degree.
More about Musa
Musa received her PhD in industrial psychology at the university`s campus in Mahikeng, making her one of the youngest female students in Africa to obtain a PhD.
This is not the first time she has been ahead of her peers. Musa started her BCom at the age of 16 and completed it at 19. She followed that up by completing her honours and master’s degrees at the age of 20 and 21 respectively, both with distinction.
Currently, she is a postdoctoral fellow at the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng, responsible for teaching and supervising postgraduate students.
Focus on the untamed wilderness
Dr Coenraad Bezuidenhout, a retired lawyer from Hermanus, completed his thesis on the historical development (1652 to 2014) of hunting legislation and regulations for game that may be hunted in South Africa, as well as the need to protect and preserve the country’s wild places.
This is Coenraad’s second doctorate. The first one, in
law, was from Stellenbosch University in 1990.
A hunter himself, Coenraad decided to make his hobby a subject for his studies. One of the reasons for this decision was the risk to the survival of game. He believes that the effectiveness of laws regulating the hunting season, number and species of game should be constantly evaluated and adapted if necessary.
Understanding draught oxen
In Marius Oosthuysen’s dissertation he takes a look at draught oxen and draught equipment in South Africa from a historical perspective. Draught oxen are used to haul loads and for ploughing.
As a boy, Marius learnt how to work with draught oxen by listening to the “old people”, and today he is one of the few experts in the country on this field.
Marius says the purpose of the dissertation was to record all his knowledge in order to preserve it for future generations.
His supervisor, Prof Kobus du Pisani from History and Ancient Culture, says he corrected very little in the dissertation, as it was clear that Marius had a passion for and an amazing knowledge about draught oxen.
Marius, a farmer in the Eastern Cape near Alexandria, holds a BSc and a BScHons from the University of the Free State.
Marius Oosthuysen (75) obtained a master’s degree. With him are Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, NWU vice-principal and acting deputy vice-chancellor, Potchefstroom, and Prof Kobus du Pisani, Marius's supervisor.
Dr Coenraad Bezuidenhout (83) receives his doctorate from Prof Rantoa Letŝosa, acting executive dean of the Faculty of Theology.
Musa Saurombe (23) receives her PhD certificate from Franco Nkoana, at the time the registrar of the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng.