Retired academic and well-known psychologist, Dr Wilson  Madzivhandila, who recently obtained his second doctoral degree, said his latest qualification should serve as an inspiration particularly to students, some academics and professionals.

He said his education should also benefit the country and he is doing just that, as he assists prospective post graduate students to develop research proposals free of charge for them to complete their studies within a reasonable time.

Madzivhandila (66) of Shayandima, who has eight academic qualifications and has worked in different senior capacities in government and the academy, received a doctor's degree in Public Administration at the University of Fort Hare. The title of his thesis is The Effects of Transformation Process on the Health Service in Limpopo Provincial Government of South Africa.

"During the apartheid era, there was a myth that certain subjects and disciplines were for certain racial groups. The pursuit of one's studies in whatever discipline or field of study has no age or race limit. Everything is possible through dedication, sacrifice, commitment, determination and above all with the assistance from God.”

Madzivhandila's own academic road was never that smooth, as his family was very poor and he only received his early education through the assistance of his guardian, the late Mr Masindi Mulaudzi.

"Our country needs skilled people with high academic qualifications in order to enable them to improve the standard of service delivery to the community. I now implore our youth to take issues of education seriously as it is one of the catalysts that could drive this country to the ‘Promised Land’,” he said.

He completed his doctoral degree in psychology through the University of Limpopo in 1998 and he is a registered psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. He worked as an educator, school principal, SABC radio announcer and director in different government departments in the former Venda homeland. He also worked for the Department of Health as senior manager, CEO of Tintswalo and Elim Hospitals and retired as a senior manager in the Vhembe Department of Health in 2012.