Double exam delight for father and son
A FATHER and son who share a name now share another bond – graduating with doctorates just one day apart.
Deon Els, senior, 59, and Deon Els, junior, 31, said undertaking doctorates at the same time was a fantastic experience, as they were really able to understand each other and provide support.
Els jnr, who obtained his PhD in conflict transformation management and resolution and is a minister at the Dutch Reformed Church in Kragga Kamma, said the journey to obtaining his doctorate had been a fun and challenging experience.
“I’ve always had ambitions of studying further since I got my Master’s degree in theology from Stellenbosch University,” he said.
“I’ve always been keen to challenge myself and to help others.”
On his father, who received his doctorate at nearly 60, he said his dad was “an extraordinary person who taught my younger brother and I to always try to reach our full potential”.
Els snr, who matriculated from Framesby High School in 1976, graduated with a PhD in emotional intelligence training models for executive leaders in South Africa.
He said studying towards his doctorate was a rewarding experience.
“Studying at the same time as my son was such an enriching experience,” Els snr said.
Though their ages were decades apart, Els jnr said having the same name caused a number of administration challenges for the university.
He said he had received his father’s e-mails by mistake on a number of occasions.
“It also didn’t help that our ID numbers are almost identical because his starts with the number 58, while mine starts with 85,” Els jnr said.