When resilience meets purpose

10 June 2026 marked a momentous occasion in the academic career of Lyness Matizirofa, who celebrated the attainment of a PhD in Statistics under the supervision of Prof Edmore Ranganai at Unisa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET). Her PhD conferment embodied extraordinary resilience, determination and scholarly excellence.

Matizirofa’s journey to this achievement is nothing short of remarkable. Having survived two severe strokes in 2009 and 2011, she was left with a permanent disability affecting the left side of her body. For many, such life-altering events might have brought academic aspirations to a halt. For Matizirofa, however, they became a powerful catalyst for perseverance.

Determined to complete her doctoral studies, she adapted to her new reality with an unwavering resolve. In an extraordinary demonstration of dedication, she typed her entire thesis with one hand, overcoming physical limitations through sheer discipline and commitment to her academic goals.

Her perseverance yielded not only the completion of her PhD but also outstanding scholarly contributions. From her doctoral research, Matizirofa published eight peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals, significantly contributing to the university's research output. Her PhD work resides at the intersection of biostatistics and public health, with a particular focus on stroke risk factors, disease progression, and the economic burden of stroke in South Africa. These contributions are of critical importance, offering valuable insights that support better healthcare policy, intervention planning, and understanding of stroke within the South African context and beyond.

Matizirofa’s achievement stands as a powerful example of academic excellence achieved despite extreme personal and physical challenges, resilience and determination in overcoming disability, and the representation and empowerment of women with disabilities in academia.

Her journey serves as an inspiration not only to students and researchers but to anyone facing adversity. It is a reminder that intellectual ambition, when coupled with courage and perseverance, can transcend even the most formidable obstacles.

As the university celebrates this outstanding accomplishment, Matizirofa’s story becomes part of a broader narrative, one that champions inclusivity, determination, and the transformative power of education.

* By Dr Nozipho N Madzivha, Communication and Marketing Specialist (acting), College of Science, Engineering and Technology