Introducing Dr Granny "Magran" Setswe

It took a year before Magran could celebrate with family and friends.

She had to wait almost a year before she could celebrate with family and friends, but on 17 April, Granny “Magran” Setswe, celebrated becoming a Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies. The celebration of thanksgiving took place in Koster, North-West Province, where family, friends, colleagues and brothers and sisters from Tshwane, Soweto, Soshanguve and Rustenburg, gathered to encourage her.

On 25 May 2020, the University of South Africa hosted a virtual graduation ceremony for Magran and others to mark the occasion, but while she collected great memories, it just wasn’t the same as having her friends and loved ones with her.

Her doctoral degree is a specialised study in Curriculum Studies focussing on Instructional Design component. Her study was on the Use of Mobile Learning Technologies for the Professional Development of Academics at a University of Technology. “It took me six years to complete this qualification on a part-time basis,” Magran shares.

“God sustained me through this long journey that reached a successful conclusion. My supervisor and co-supervisor guided me throughout the process. My husband, Geoffrey Setswe, played a role as a coach and lover-mentor. My daughters Boipelo and Kitso kept encouraging and challenging me to strive on, even when I felt tired and sick. I also received support of continuous prayers from our spiritual family in Tshwane and Soshanguve.

All these motivated me to be more determined to continue this journey with hope. I’d say perseverance and determination on my part played a big role in this journey,” she adds.