Former health minister, and ANC member of parliament Zweli Mkhize is hoping to inspire the youth of South Africa to continue pursuing academic excellence after recently graduating with his master’s degree.
While he may be 68-years-old the former health minister has proven that the only limits you have, are the ones you place on yourself.
Zweli recently graduated with a master’s degree in administration from the University of KwaZulu Natal’s Westville campus.
His studies were focused on Service Delivery in the Provincial Sphere of Government: A Case Study of Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) in KwaZulu–Natal.
The 68-year-old has a long history with the prestigious university after first graduating from the institution with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1982. In addition to this, he served as second chancellor from 2009 to 2017.
He described the experience as being challenging but equally rewarding.
“I interviewed all 22 respondents during the difficult days of COVID-19 with strict restrictions while balancing it with all the other demands and responsibilities of the time.”
“Senior public administrators should be engaged in continuous learning and academic research as they would acquire new knowledge that bolsters their experience to improve their performance,” he told IOL.
His only desire now is that younger generations follow in his footsteps by chasing postgraduate degrees.
“I hope this will inspire younger generations, leaders and public servants to embrace postgraduate education and pursue ever-widening horizons in academic research.”
Also see: Springboks’ coach Rassie Erasmus to be addressed as Dr. after graduating with doctorate
