MSc in Agriculture in Record Time

BY: .

Nelson Mandela’s statement about education being the best weapon to use to change the world inspired MSc student Mr Lindah Hluyako to persevere with his postgraduate studies and complete his Master’s degree in Agriculture six months early.  

Hluyako, who grew up in a rural area in Mpumalanga, first completed a BTech at Tshwane University of Technology. This made his pursuit of a Master’s degree in Agriculture all the more difficult as he was new to the research world and its methodologies.  

Getting accustomed to scientific writing as opposed to writing and presenting seminars, which is the main focus of a BTech, was very challenging for Hluyako. ‘Linking sentences and making them flow was a nightmare,’ he chuckled.

Being among accomplished researchers at UKZN, however, and with constant motivation from his supervisors, Dr Lembe Magwaza, Dr Alfred Odindo and Professor Paramu Mafongoya, Hluyako completed his degree within 18 months with an upper second class pass of more than 70%.

‘Lindah’s achievement is unusual and worthy of praise given that he did not come from a scientific background,' said Magwaza.

Hluyako received his Master’s degree in Agriculture (Crop Science) for his agronomic characterisation and evaluation of Pigeon pea landraces in KZN. 

‘My advice to young students is that they must push hard in their studies, no matter how difficult it is – stay focused and one day you will reap the rewards,’ said Hluyako. 

Swasti Maney