After years of perseverance, dedication and hard work, the academic career of Dr Simthembile Xeketwana, a lecturer at the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University (SU), has culminated in him receiving his sixth qualification, a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Curriculum Studies.
Xeketwana, the head of Huis Francie van Zijl on SU's Tygerberg campus, was awarded the degree at SU's December graduation.
In addition to his PhD, Xeketwana also boasts a BA degree (2011), Post-graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (2011) and BA Honours in African Languages (2012) from Rhodes University. His other qualifications obtained from SU include a Master's in Linguistic Theories and Text Linguistics (cum laude) (2016) and a Postgraduate Diploma (2017).
“I always find a reason to further my studies. After my first degree, I wanted to be a teacher and registered for a PGCE. After I started teaching at Diocesan School for Girls in Makhanda, I realised I needed to strengthen my understanding of linguistics and language teaching and completed my honours, followed by a Master's degree to help me understand language teaching better," he said.
Xeketwana commenced with his PhD studies in 2019, shortly after being appointed as a lecturer at SU. “I wanted to broaden my skills and knowledge regarding multilingual education in higher education and started with a doctoral degree in multilingual education," he said.
His PhD dissertation, entitled “The implementation of the language policy for multilingual education: Extending the teaching and learning of isiXhosa for communicative purposes in teacher education", focuses on multilingual education in South African schools of learners from diverse language backgrounds.
His study aims to prepare preservice teachers for linguistically diverse classrooms, especially in the previously Model C schools. Thus, this study developed an intensive isiXhosa education module to equip Afrikaans and English students in the Beds Foundation Phase course with isiXhosa for communicative purposes.
Xeketwana expressed the hope that his research would contribute to the accessibility of education in the country and the removal of language barriers in the classrooms.
“I have dedicated my life to bettering our education system and being the solution to enable access and equal opportunities to education and all the other opportunities this beautiful country has to offer.
“Through my studies, I want to understand students better and deliver research that will influence communities."
Growing up
Xeketwana, who grew up in the Eastern Cape, said he hoped that his story would motivate youth who are experiencing hardships. He said that, as a young boy, he had faced various hardships, and recalled having to walk long distances to school, even having to cross rivers to get there.
“There are still young learners who face similar challenges as I did when I was young. They walk long distances to school, have no shoes and are going to school without a meal. I would like them to know that with hard work, perseverance and dedication one can achieve what you are destined to achieve," he said.
Photographer: Stefan Els
