A Family’s Pride: Potchefstroom’s Obakeng Jona Earns His Doctorate
Jona, who was born in Potchefstroom, received his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town on 7 September 2026. According to UCT News, he is the first person in his family to earn a doctorate.
WHERE A LOVE OF LEARNING BEGAN
His mother and maternal grandparents encouraged education from childhood, including through a small library at home.
Years later, family members travelled to Cape Town to celebrate his graduation.
“This degree belongs to all of us. It truly takes a village!” he told UCT News.
THE COURAGE TO CHANGE DIRECTION
After working in management consulting, Jona returned to university to pursue research. His doctoral journey included pandemic disruptions and, later, the responsibilities of lecturing alongside his studies.
His research explored growing beneficial bacteria, with the longer-term aim of supporting affordable treatments for vaginal health. That remains a research goal, rather than an announcement of an available medicine.
A MOMENT WORTH SHARING
There is something moving about an achievement that makes room for gratitude. It recognises both the person who did the work and those who offered encouragement along the way.
For anyone reconsidering a career or working towards a qualification, this is a story worth pausing over. Progress can take patience, and changing direction can be a meaningful step towards work that matters to you.
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About Zanele Mthembu
Zanele Mthembu covers South African community news for Trustoria, focusing on municipal developments, social justice and local culture. Based in Durban and rooted in her Zulu heritage, she brings clarity and compassion to stories that affect everyday lives, combining a commitment to accountability with a passion for highlighting community achievements, resilience and positive change.
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