Age no obstacle for studious Pule

PERSEVERANCE, confidence and faith in God was what earned 77year-old jazz legend Retsi Pule a diploma in public relations from the University of South Africa.

Duncan Village-born Pule was among the graduands gathered at the Abbotsford Christian Centre on Saturday morning for the Eastern Cape leg of Unisa graduation ceremonies.

When his name was read out, he marched enthusiastically across the stage with a big smile on his face to have his hand shaken by the regional registrar.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, Pule said despite having encountered challenges along the way, this was something he wanted to see himself achieve.

“It took me quite a challenging while to complete my studies. Some of the challenges were financial constraints to pursue my studies and close to completion, I had a problem getting placement for practicals with potential entities because of my age,” he said.

However, Pule said, it was an exciting and inspiring journey for his music career as well.

“For me, juggling music and studies was no struggle at all. Music is therapeutic to me, hence I managed to come out with a very popular album entitled In High Spirits in the year concurrent with my studies,” he said.

Pule intends to pass on his expertise to talented young South Africans.

“I intend to impart, particularly, my acquired artistic expertise to all aspiring, talented and underdeveloped youth in South Africa – starting at home, in Eastern Cape, hoping to be afforded help by the Eastern Cape department arts and culture,” said Pule.

The jazz musician, who is not only limited to doing music, is currently involved in performing arts and is an actor in films and television series.

Second semester will see Pule registering for jazz studies at Unisa. — of