Musawenkosi Saurombe: A PhD at 23

When most 16-years-olds were working their way through high school, Musawenkosi Saurombe was already at university.

Today 23-year-old Saurombe is one the youngest PhD graduates in Africa. She was recently awarded her Doctorate in Industrial Psychology from North West University.

While her achievement is making headlines, for Saurombe it hasn't quite sunk in. “The feeling,” she says, “is still somewhat surreal.”

The attention has been unexpected, but an honour. “I am in absolute awe – not necessarily of the achievement itself but more the impact it has had on other women, old and young, and especially other Africans.

“I have received so much positive feedback, which has made me realise that this achievement is more massive than I ever imagined. That, for me, is gratifying. I feel so honoured.”

Bright spark

Saurombe was raised in Gaborone, Botswana. Her academic success began in primary school, when teachers noticed she was a “bright spark”. Her school career was fast-tracked, and she matriculated at the age of 15.

In 2010 she began her BCOM degree in Human Resource Management at the NWU Mahikeng campus, majoring in Industrial Psychology. She was just 16.

“I completed my bachelor's degree in 2012 and graduated at age 19 in 2013. I immediately enrolled for my one-year Honours degree programme, from which I graduated at 20.”

In 2014 Saurombe began her Master's degree. It should have lasted two years, but she successfully completed it in one – cum laude – at the age of 21.

“In 2015 I immediately enrolled for a PhD in Industrial Psychology,” she says. She was given four years to complete the degree, but Saurombe had other plans.

“I finished the write-up of my thesis in a year and a half. I recently graduated after two years of official registration, at 23 years of age.”

She says her achievements prove that for the African child, success is not a pipedream.

“I am convinced that if I can do it, others can do it too.”

Never be mediocre

Saurombe says the aim is never to be mediocre but to exert the maximum effort towards achieving any milestone.

“The more effort and seriousness you put in, the more you will get out of the experience.”

The title of Saurombe's thesis was “The Management Perspectives on a Talent Value Proposition for Academic Staff in a South African Higher Education Institution”.

“The focal point of the research was the psychological contract between the employer and the employee, encompassing the value offered to employees for the expertise and effort they offer to their employer, therefore ensuring a mutual relationship or contractual experience.”

She takes great pride in her research. She says it was groundbreaking, the first of its kind to be conducted in South Africa.

Saurombe is currently doing her postdoctoral research and working toward an associate professorship.

Her message to young people during Youth Month is to believe in their dreams and reach for success.

“They should never shirk from pursuing their goals and dreams,” she says.

“All you need is a dream.You don't have to fully comprehend how you will achieve it, but as long as you've conceived it in your mind, then you're one step closer to attaining it.”