She experienced devastating loss and grief on her road to graduation, but quitting was never an option for doctoral graduate Faeda Mohsam.

Mohsam, a lecturer in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, suffered two bereavements during her academic journey, necessitating a break in her studies.

First, she lost her father in 2018. Then, in 2021, she lost her beloved daughter during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Today she was awarded a DTech in Informatics during the Summer Graduation ceremony and was one of two doctoral graduates in the Faculty of Informatics and Design.

“I was awake at 1am this morning. I couldn’t sleep. I’m just so delighted to be here and to have finished my degree. I didn’t think I would see the day,” she said before this morning’s ceremony.

Mohsam said it was important to her that her grandson, her belated daughter’s son, has a role model “to look up to and know that everything is possible if he works hard and perseveres.”

She is grateful that she was able to complete the journey.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Almighty for enabling me to accomplish this significant milestone. It has taken me some time, and there have been numerous challenges. Still, I persisted.

“I have learnt to be persistent and resilient in the face of adversity. Quitting was never an option. In the words of our beloved Madiba: ‘Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again’,” she said.

Balancing the demands of a doctoral study was no easy feat. “Full-time lecturing responsibilities, and my personal life was challenging and made maintaining a work-life balance difficult.”

Mohsam said peer support played a pivotal role during her studies and she believes this contributed greatly to the successful completion of her degree and her overall well-being. “Peers understand the challenges, setbacks and triumphs that come with doctoral studies, and this shared understanding fosters empathy and provides a sense of camaraderie, ultimately making the journey less isolating. I had the honour of receiving peer assistance from two amazing ladies I now consider my "research sisters."

Mohsam, who grew up in Mitchell’s Plain, initially joined CPUT in 2004, first working in an administrative capacity, then took up a role as an academic in 2009.

She holds a BTech in Office Management and Technology and an MTech in Business Information Systems, both from CPUT.

Her research title is: The level of alignment between the use of implemented Health Information Technologies (HITs) and the clinical work activities of nurses in the public hospitals of Cape Town.

She expressed her appreciation to her supervisor, Prof Retha de la Harpe.

“Your belief in my capabilities, even during moments of self-doubt, and mentorship enhanced my academic skills and contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. Thank you for being a source of inspiration, sharing your knowledge generously, and fostering an environment that promotes learning and intellectual curiosity.”

De la Harpe said supervising Mohsam had been a pleasure because of her excellent work ethic. “She applied her mind to her studies with the same dedication. During the duration of her study she had to deal with a few serious family crises and suffered the biggest loss during the pandemic. Although she was devastated it never derailed her and I know that achieving her doctorate is not only for her but for all who are dear to her.”

Graduating with Mohsam was Monica Nehemia who was awarded a PhD in Informatics.

Nehemia, who hails from Namibia, said she felt “very elated and proud of having achieved my dream, and it being an inspiration to many people in my life”.

“It has been a challenge being a student, a mother and a full-time employee. The conundrum of being the best and successful in each one of them simultaneously is a story to tell. The highlight is the appreciation of how the studies have impacted one's thought process. The relationships forged and friendships established during the research forums is one of the highs that will last with me forever.”

Her thesis is titled: A metric model for measuring the value of enterprise architecture in developing countries.

She said it was an honour to be supervised by Prof Tiko Iyamu.

“Thank you for your guidance, trust and believing in me. Thank you for the patience, allowing me to learn and grow, and for teaching me the value of amassing knowledge, sharing knowledge, and imparting knowledge.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The 12 graduands who will receive their doctoral qualifications during the upcoming Summer Graduation Ceremony were recently given a platform to highlight their research findings and possible impact on society.

This was the aim of the first Research Uptake: Doctoral Graduates seminar organised by the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Office and Centre for Postgraduate Studies on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, held at Bellville Campus. Under the theme: Potential Societal Impact of Research, doctoral graduands presented their research on a high level and discussed its impact on society. Manager Research Uptake: SIP, Dr Nelisiwe Maleka, who was one of the organisers, said the doctoral graduands were joined by their supervisors, representatives from the faculties and Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships.

The list of doctoral graduands who attended the event included:

• Michael Agenbag from Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAD).
• Warren Charles from Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS).
• Martha Grewe, FBMS.
• Maryna De Lange from Faculty of Education.
• Howard Fawkes, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE).
• Olukayode Ayodele, FEBE.
• Mohamed Almihat, FEBE.
• Gideon Joubert, FEBE.
• Faeda Mohsam from Faculty of Informatics and Design (FID).

However, there were graduands who couldn’t attend the event due to work commitments:

• Gareth Holtman, FEBE.
• Leo Folifac, FEBE.
• Monica Nehemia, FID.

In his opening address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr David Phaho, said: “Dear graduates there are those who now and, in the future, will express cynicism and doubts about your qualifications and the impact your research endeavours could have on society. It is the nature of existence as researchers and scholars, and this goes back to as far back as Galileo. Remember that this polymath from antiquity promoted the idea that the earth rotates daily and revolves around the sun, and this was met with opposition from within the church and from some fellow astronomers.”

Phaho continued: “Considering the significant societal and global challenges we face in areas such as food security, water and sanitation, energy, climate change, and public health, universities and other publicly funded organisations are expected to do more to address these challenges.”

Maleka said throughout the numerous presentations, attendees had an opportunity to learn more about doctoral research studies that are responsive to societal needs and challenges, their alignment to CPUT Research Focus Areas and Sustainable Development Goals.

Agenbag, a graduand, said the seminar created an initial space for them to share their research contribution to CPUT’s leadership regarding their commitment to CPUT’s research objectives and “how our input from our long research journey focuses on societal challenges and needs”. “It was also great to hear the research from other doctorandi and to be aware of the level of research that CPUT conducts. This seminar should undoubtedly become a regular for all doctoral graduates. The forum creates opportunities to share research done at CPUT and network with each other and different faculties and programmes.

“It was a positive experience and a salute to the organisers for this initiative.”

“Listening to these insightful presentations has renewed our passion, fervour, and enthusiasm for research as we have learnt of different expertise sparking insightful engaging discussions. A heartfelt thanks to our dedicated faculty members, mentors, and advisors who have played a pivotal role in nurturing students, academic and research prowess in the university,” CPGS Coordinator, Dr Thandazile Mhlongo observed.

Mhlongo said: “What a wonderful enlightening and thought-provoking Doctoral Graduate Seminar… It has been a wonderful experience witnessing not only the culmination of hard work through research and dedication done over the years by the doctoral candidates, but also the promise of a future where research becomes a catalyst for positive change in society through the work done in CPUT.”

“My humble advice to all of you as you embark on what I no doubt believe will be great careers, is that you must always be resilient, engender self-discipline, adopt an uncompromising work ethic and self-belief in that what you do now and for the rest of your days,” Phaho remarked.

Mhlongo also acknowledged the contribution made by the “chair Prof Izak [Van Zyl], the organising committee who are the behind-the-scenes heroes who worked so hard to ensure the smooth execution of this seminar”. “Finally, a sincere thank you to all the participants and attendees who have contributed to the success of this event. It is hoped that after this seminar colleagues will foster an environment conducive to intellectual growth and collaboration.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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