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04 April 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied
Robson Nkosi
Robson Nkosi in his academic regalia at the graduation for his honours degree.

Robson Siphosihle Nkosi's journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and academic achievement – a story that resonates deeply within the University of the Free State (UFS) community. Born in Mpumalanga and raised under challenging circumstances, Nkosi's path to academic success is a testament to his unwavering spirit.

 

Unwavering determination

His early life was marked by significant loss, having been raised initially by his grandmother, and subsequently by his mother, who tragically passed away just before his final year of high school at Bee Maseko Secondary School, a quintile 1 school in Sheepmoor, Mpumalanga. Facing financial hardship, he relied on the support of friends to complete his matriculation.

Despite these adversities, Nkosi's determination shone through. With the invaluable assistance of his high school teacher, Mokoena Libakiso – whom he now considers his mother – he applied to the UFS to pursue a teaching degree. Although initially accepted, funding delays resulted in his offer being withdrawn. Securing funding later, he enrolled in a BSocSci degree, majoring in Communication Science and Sociology, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to higher education.

Nkosi’s initial aspiration to switch to a Bachelor of Education degree was redirected by the NSFAS N+1 rule. However, he refocused his goals, setting his sights on a PhD and a career in higher education lecturing. This strategic vision fuelled his academic pursuits.


Leadership. Excellence. PhD.

His leadership skills were honed during his final undergraduate year, serving as the Qwaqwa Campus SRC Deputy President and ISRC Treasurer General. His academic excellence was consistently recognised through academic merit bursaries and the UFS Partial Tuition Fee Bursary, which supported his honours studies. Living in Botshabelo and commuting to Bloemfontein, Nkosi demonstrated his dedication.

During his honours year, he not only excelled as a student, but also as a tutor and Career Ambassador. His academic prowess led to an invitation from his honours lecturer, Yzelle Du Plessis, to facilitate Communication Science classes. He completed his honours degree cum laude, specialising in Leadership Communication.

Nkosi's academic journey continued with a master’s in communication science, funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF). Simultaneously, he gained practical teaching experience as a junior lecturer. He recently completed his master's degree and is now pursuing a PhD in Communication Science, while continuing to teach final-year and honours students on the Bloemfontein Campus.


A life dedicated to education and leadership

His short-term goal is to secure a permanent lecturing position, while his long-term ambition is to become a professor of Communication Science and potentially assume a leadership role in higher education, the public sector, or civil society.

Robson Nkosi's story is a powerful example of resilience, academic excellence, and the transformative impact of education. His dedication and gratitude to those who supported him underscore the importance of community and mentorship. He stands as an inspiration to the UFS community, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.

News Archive

Shimlas secure 23-21 Varsity Cup win
2015-03-10

It might have been late but it was enough. A penalty before fulltime saw the Shimla secure a 23-21 win over Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth on Monday night.

 

After beating NMMU on 9 March 2015, Shimlas still remain the only unbeaten side in this years Varsity Cup rugby tournament. However, Shimlas were replaced at the top of the log by the University of Pretoria after the latest round of fixtures.

 

Shimlas flank Refuoe Rampeta crossed for the first try shortly after kick-off, and flyhalf Niel Marais conversion put the UFS in an 8-0 lead early on. Soon after, Shimlas lock, Niel Claassen got over for their second try. Scrumhalf Renier Botha ploughed his way over the line to give Shimlas a heavy 21-0 advantage at the first strategy break.

 

Yet NMMU managed to fight back well for the remainder of the match, bringing the scores level at 21-21. Unfortunately, the home team could not keep this going, and a penalty kick sneaked in before the whistle blew secured the win for Shimlas.

 

UFS-Shimlas point scorers:

Tries: 
Rampeta, Claassen, Botha
Conversions: Marais 2
Penalties: Marais

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