Congratulations poured in for the two prominent ANC members who graduated with PhD degrees in Administration during the autumn graduations at the University of Limpopo in Polokwane.
An ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) member, Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, Makoma Makhurupetje and Polly Boshielo, the Deputy Minister of Police and ANC national executive committee (NEC) member, were amongst the students who received their degrees in Doctor of Philosophy during the graduation ceremony on Saturday, 12 April 2025.
The delightful PhD graduates kneeled before the University of Limpopo Chancellor and ANC stalwart, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as they were being bestowed with the highest academic qualifications.
Notable figures who were present to witness their graduations included Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader Bishop Dr Barnabas Lekganyane, National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola and several ANC leaders such as Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale, Deputy Cogta Minister Dr Dickson Masemola, and Limpopo Provincial Secretary Reuben Madadzhe.
Makhurupetje and Boshielo join other ANC leaders who graduated with PhDs, such as former Dirco Minister Dr Naledi Pandor, Dr Masemola, Limpopo MPL Dr David “Che” Selane, Dr Nobuhle Nkabinde, Deputy Basic Education Minister Regina Mhaule.
The Duo’s academic achievements come after the ANC was often criticised for deploying members to strategic government positions in cabinet, provincial executive councils and municipalities, who, at best had no relevant qualifications and, at worst, were without any post matric qualifications.
Earlier this year, Dr Selane, a former Limpopo ANC Youth Secretary, caused a stir when he accused some of his fellow comrades of buying qualifications from private institutions.
However, the criticism directed at the ANC leaders may soon be misdirected as some of them continue to pursue senior degrees.
Makhurupetje’s achievement has won her praise and admiration from many people, including ANC Chief Whip in the Limpopo Legislature, Essob Mokgonyana, and the party caucus in general.
“This academic accomplishment can only point towards one thing, that the ANC’s transformation agenda will only be accomplished by an erudite civil servant.
“She [Makhurupetje] joins a long list of leaders, in both the provincial legislature and the national Assembly, who are shining examples of what the ANC seeks to achieve, to create an educated society on whose expertise [the] government can rely,” Mokgonyana said in a statement.
During Makhurupetje’s graduation luncheon hosted at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane, a proud Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba challenged the Speaker to use her knowledge to improve the province’s service delivery.
“Madam Speaker, all I ask from you is to use knowledge to build our province, to solve our water, road infrastructure and improve our provincial state-owned entities,” Ramathuba said.
Meanwhile, at a separate luncheon for Boshielo, Madadzhe said her recent graduation bears testimony to the knowledge and wisdom she acquired throughout her long service both in the party and in government.
“The African National Congress in Limpopo is delighted that one of its daughters, a member in good standing, a leader produced by all the alliance partners, a complete product of the liberation movement, Cde Polly Boshielo is today bestowed a befitting Doctoral Title. This bears testimony to the knowledge and wisdom that Cde Polly has acquired throughout her long service in the struggle and liberation of our people. Cde Polly is living testimony that, indeed President Nelson Mandela was right when he argued that ‘Education is the great engine of personal development’,” remarked Madadzhe in his congratulatory message.
Thabo Mabotja, ANC branch chairperson of ward 17 in Polokwane and MPL, said Makhurupetje and Boshielo made a “bold political statement” about the importance of knowledge accumulation and continuous growth.
“This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of disciplined cadres who refuse to be limited by time, age or responsibility. Despite the immense demands of public office, you have once again proven that education knows no boundaries and that leadership rooted in learning is leadership that transforms society,” Mabotja said.
Your journey inspires countless others across our nation, especially the youth to reach for academic excellence with unwavering commitment. You have not just earned degrees, you have made a bold political statement that says we must never stop learning and that the pursuit of knowledge is revolutionary,” he added.
