THE Mabitsela family from Moletjie Ga-Makweya in Limpopo made an extraordinary sacrifice by selling a tractor to fund their daughter's career aspirations.
Mosima Mabitsela (31) recently achieved her PhD in agronomy at Stellenbosch University. Her journey to earning her PhD involved her father, Mamothata selling the family tractor.
Having been raised in a farming family, it was only natural for Mosima to attend Harry Oppenheimer Agricultural School in Mokopane. Following the completion of her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Zululand, she pursued her doctoral studies at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape, attracted by its notable agricultural faculty.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Dr Mosima explained how her upbringing in a farming family and her curious mind inspired her pursuit of a PhD in agronomy.
"I wanted to delve deeper into this science and make meaningful contributions to agriculture," she said.
Agronomy, the science of soil management and crop production, aims to produce crops sustainably.
"With this PhD, I knew I could address key challenges in the field and develop scientific approaches through my research," she said.
Mosima is a first-generation doctorate graduate in her family. "Now that I've graduated, my father is incredibly proud and his unwavering belief in me has been a driving force," she said.
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She recounted the challenges she faced during her academic journey, especially in her first year such as adapting to a new environment at a world-class university.
"The pressure kept me on my toes and I sacrificed many things to achieve my goals, which led to moments of loneliness, but I persevered," she said.
Asked about applying her expertise in agronomy to address food insecurity, especially in regions such as Limpopo, she emphasised the importance of engaging with extension officers.
"Door-to-door visits to farmers may be complex, but engaging with extension officers, who serve as vital links between farmers and the government, is crucial," she said.
She encouraged matric pupils to work hard, emphasising the availability of government and private institution bursaries. "Never let your surroundings or background define you," she said.
