12 April 2016 Volume :4 Issue :10

Social Science Students Secure Degrees Through Hard Work

Ms Victoria Mutambara and Dr Mlungisi Ngubane.

Ms Victoria Mutambara was awarded a master’s degree while Dr Mlungisi Ngubane secured his PhD during a UKZN Graduation ceremony.

Both students were supervised by Professor Maheshvari Naidu of the School of Social Sciences.  ‘I am extremely proud of them both. I certainly pushed them to their limits and they rose to the challenge,’ said Naidu.

Mutambara earned her Master’s in Internal Relations (MA SocSc IR) degree with her studies concentrated on the experiences of lesbian students within the Higher Education context.  Her thesis was titled: “Equal Rights Without Discrimination: Probing the Experiences of Lesbian Students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal”.

Mutambara’s interest is in sexuality politics and she worked from a human rights perspective. Working from the premise that many universities are cautious when it comes to extending equal rights and social justice to members of the LGBTI community, her study probed the experience of lesbian students in terms of sexual citizenship within the institutional space.

‘The issue of human security of marginalised groups was important to Victoria and she impressed me with her exceptionally hard work ethic from day one. The first day I met her she told me she was committed to working hard,’ said Naidu.

‘Hailing from the University of Venda, the idea of changing institutions to pursue my postgraduate studies was nerve wrecking,’ said Mutambara. ‘I had no idea of how I was going to cope. However, all of those feelings changed when I met my supervisor Professor Naidu. She said the journey was not going to be easy but it would be worth it in the end’

‘I appreciate the motivation and drive she gave me from day one. I also appreciate the support of my family. They have seen me grow into the person I am. My parents were very happy that I had finished my degree in record time and they remain strong supporters,’ she said.

Ngubane, who earned his PhD in Anthropology, is currently Director of the Msunduzi and Ncome Museums. His study probed the politics of Chieftainship, Traditional Leadership and Inherited Succession.

‘I knew that embarking on a journey to obtain a PhD was not going to be smooth sailing. It has been a journey involving sacrifices and determination. I had to spend less time with family and sometimes it took a toll on my health because I had to juggle between my work and studies.

‘However, the help of my supervisor Professor Naidu erased the burden.  My graduation has brought joy and excitement to my wife and children,’ he added.

Melissa Mungroo

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