From soldier to scholar - a journey of courage and dedication

The message is simple: it is possible. For 13 years, Mphumudzeni Siphuma served as a private in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). While in the army, he used his limited free time to study, despite the many challenges he faced. His hard work eventually paid off when, at the beginning of January, he exchanged his army gun for a pen. Now a university lecturer and PhD candidate at the age of 35, Siphuma is living proof that courage and dedication can make the impossible possible.

Siphuma, from Hamakuya in the Niani area, said his academic journey took a decisive turn in 2018 when he was nominated for a Reconnaissance Course by the SANDF. He told Limpopo Mirror: “I made a difficult but deliberate decision to decline the nomination, and instead, I chose to pursue my passion for education. In fact, I wanted to go to school while still working at the SANDF. In 2019, I registered for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the North West University, Mafikeng campus. I was heavily criticized by some of my work colleagues for choosing communication as a field of study.”

Despite the criticism, Siphuma excelled academically. “During that time, I developed a deep love for lecturing and knowledge-sharing. In 2020, Prof Damian Garside invited me to assist him with one of his modules. I was then appointed as a Supplementary Instructor (SI) in 2020 and 2021.”

In 2022, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication cum laude, becoming the only cum laude graduate in a class of more than 140 students at the Mafikeng campus. While pursuing his Honours degree, he was appointed as an Academic Peer Mentor. “In 2023, I graduated [cum laude] with my Honours Degree in Communication (Journalism and Media Studies). During this period, I was appointed as a Tutor… Additionally, I registered for my Master of Arts in Communication in the same year (2023).”

In early 2024, while still employed full-time by the SANDF, Siphuma was appointed as a part-time temporary lecturer. In 2025, he completed his Master’s degree and was later reappointed as a Temporary Lecturer.

His lifelong dream became a reality in November 2025. “That was when I was appointed permanent lecturer in the School of Communication, Potchefstroom campus… On 1 January 2026, I assumed my duties as a Permanent Lecturer and registered for my PhD in Communication.”

His message to the youth is clear: “It is possible. Hard work pays off. Consistency matters. Purpose matters. And it is never too late to pursue and achieve your dreams.”

Date:24 January 2026

By:

Read: 1258