• Inside Dr Makoma Makhurupetje’s inspiring journey of perseverance, purpose, and continuous growth.
• The Limpopo Speaker and ANC PEC member credits hard work, commitment and the desire to grow for her PhD.
• Z.C.C leader Bishop Dr Barnabas Lekganyane among dignitaries who attended Makhurupetje’s graduation ceremony. 

LIMPOPO – In a proud moment for the Limpopo Legislature, the African National Congress (ANC) and many people from all spheres of society, Dr Makoma Makhurupetje, Speaker of the Legislature, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Administration by the University of Limpopo.

Makhurupetje, the ANC’s provincial executive committee (PEC) member and former Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, officially received her Doctoral Degree at the graduation ceremony in Polokwane on Saturday, 12 April 2025. 

The former provincial ANC deputy secretary has joined an exclusive club of a small but growing list of South African political leaders who hold PHDs. 

This includes Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande, Deputy Finance Minister Dr David Masondo, Deputy Cogta Minister Dr Dickson Masemola, the chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on Finance Dr Joe Maswanganyi, Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul and Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo. 

Their academic accomplishments have changed perceptions that most ANC leaders are career politicians who are averse to senior degrees, academic gowns and professional growth. 

Makhurupetje’s achievement has been widely hailed as a personal success story, a beacon of inspiration, and a symbol of educational excellence in a country where most South Africans hardly pursue senior degrees. 

Among the dignitaries who graced the event in support of Makhurupetje were the leader of the Zion Christian Church (Z.C.C), Bishop Dr Barnabas Lekganyane, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, and the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Limpopo, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong.

In an exclusive interview with African Times, Makhurupetje described the conferral of her doctorate as one of the most exciting milestones of her life—both personally and professionally.

“It’s an achievement I wished to reach as a person, but also as a leader. We must lead by example,” she said. “I hope this shows young people and others that anything is possible, no matter your background. What matters is commitment, perseverance, and a desire to grow,” said Makhurupetje.

Her doctoral study focused on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) as a crucial element of sustainable service delivery in South Africa—an issue at the heart of many public frustrations in recent years. Makhurupetje said she would use  her qualifications to help her improve governance and service delivery by providing scientific data to decision makers. 

“We can’t fix service delivery without understanding the root causes,” she explained. “Empirical data must guide our interventions. We must stop implementing programmes we can’t measure or explain,” she added.

A Journey of Research and Resilience

Makhurupetje’s path to her PhD was long and filled with challenges. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor in Administration, followed by two Master’s degrees. The Limpopo Speaker’s first Master’s research examined the sustainability of poverty alleviation programmes for rural women, while her second explored why municipalities struggled to meet service delivery goals.

Her PhD, Makhurupetje says, was the culmination of years of research and government oversight work.

“I was asking: do we have the right systems and models for M&E at every level—national, provincial, and local? Are communities involved? Are projects transparent and accountable?” Makhurupetje recalls. 

Balancing her responsibilities as Limpopo Speaker, a mother, and a student was no easy task, she says. 

“There were days I didn’t sleep,” she shared. “I’d study from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., then take my son to school and go straight to work. But I knew this was a project I had to finish.”

A Moment of Joy and a Message to Youth

The conferral ceremony, held at the University of Limpopo’s Turfloop Campus, was deeply emotional for the Speaker. For Makhurupetje, ascending the graduation stage at the University of Limpopo was a potent mixture of positive emotions, pride and motivation to other aspirant PHD graduates. 

Said Makhurupetje: “I was overwhelmed with joy. I kept thinking, ‘Yes, I did it.’ I was proud—not just for me, but for every young person watching,” she said. “It’s never too late. Let’s stop relying only on jobs—let’s create solutions, let’s become experts.”

She believes education is not just personal growth—it’s nation-building.

“I didn’t do this PhD for myself. I did it to help find real answers to real problems our communities face,” Makhurupetje insists. 

A Celebration Across the Legislature

The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the Limpopo Legislature has also extended heartfelt congratulations to Makhurupetje.

In a statement released on Friday, 11 April 2025, the Caucus praised her as a symbol of educational excellence and dedication to the ANC’s vision of transformation.

“This academic accomplishment can only point towards one thing: that the ANC’s transformation agenda will only be accomplished by an erudite civil servant,” said Essob Mokgonyana, ANC Chief Whip in the Limpopo Legislature.

The statement highlighted that her achievement places her among many ANC luminaries who view education as a critical tool in transforming society and building a better South Africa.

Looking Ahead

Her research, Makhurupetje emphasized, is only the beginning. She believes the M&E systems in South Africa must become digital, transparent, and inclusive of all stakeholders—especially the communities they are meant to serve.

“We shouldn’t wait for reports from the SIU to act on failed projects. We need real-time data, accountability, and a system where even the President can see the progress of projects with a single click,” Makhurupetje advises. 

The Speaker urged young South Africans to push their limits and strive to reach their full potential. 

“Let’s never settle. Think beyond your limits. What contribution can you make for your country? We all have a role in building the South Africa we dream of.”

After receiving her PhD from Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the University of Limpopo’s Vice Chancellor and former minister, Makhurupetje hosted a dinner for her family, friends, and guests at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane. Several senior ANC leaders and parliamentarians attended. Speaker after speaker, including Ramathuba, sang her praises and described her achievement as a source of pride for them, her party, and society.