There was excitement in the air when a hardworking chaplain, Pastor Maria Mudimeli, who had recently received her doctorate, celebrated the achievement at an event that was held at Grace Missionary Chapel Church at Tshituni-Tshafhasi in the Nzhelele area last week.

Dr Mudimeli received her doctorate in Systematic Theology from the University of South Africa.  She is a chaplain at the South African Police Service in Polokwane and is believed to be the first Venda woman and a woman chaplain to obtain a Doctorate in Systematic Theology.

She hails from the rural  village of Tshituni-Tshafhasi in the Nzhelele area.

Her journey in the academic world began in 1994, when she obtained a BA-degree from the Global University in the United States of America. She then worked as a part-time lecturer at the Southern African School of Theology in 1995, before obtaining her master's degree from the University of Venda.

She also worked at the Sekhukhune College of Education in 1996 and joined the South African Police Services as chaplain in 2002, based at the Makhado SAPS. She moved to Polokwane SAPS in 2009, where she is still working as chaplain.

Dr Mudimeli expressed her appreciation to her family for the upbringing and all the support regarding her achievements. "Growing up in a disadvantaged family background was not easy, but I am happy that I made it. I thank pastor Rathando, who took me to a Bible School in 1991," she said.

She added that dedication and commitment were the secrets behind her outstanding achievements. "I thank God for all He has done for me," said Mudimeli.