Soweto s Lindiwe Tsope the first Oprah Winfrey school alumna to obtain a PhD 06 May 2021 - 06:00 Dr Lindiwe Tsope obtained her doctor of philosophy degree in sociology last week. She graduated from Rhodes University. Image: SUPPLIED
For Dr Lindiwe Tsope, having been part of the first class to be inducted at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, and now the school s first graduate to obtain a PhD is a “full-circle moment”.
Tsope, 27, from Soweto, obtained her doctor of philosophy degree in sociology last week, a year after completing her thesis. She graduated from Rhodes University.
“When the university sent an e-mail saying I am graduating in April, it was a big deal for me. It was amazing. I am still processing the depth of it. It’s a huge milestone. It’s not my milestone, but my family’s and the community’s milestone,” said an elated Tsope.
Lindiwe Tsope. Picture: Twitter
NATIONAL NEWS - The first Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls alumnus, Lindiwe Tsope, says she is overwhelmed with emotions as she graduates with a doctoral research degree (PhD).
“I cried for an hour when I received that last email that confirmed I had completed my qualification,” she said as congratulatory Twitter messages came pouring in.
In a statement Rhodes University expressed its pride in her and said the 2021 graduation ceremony marked a special day in Tsope’s life and academic career.
“Tsope is an Old Rhodian through and through. She had attained a bachelor’s degree (honours) in psychology and sociology in 2015 and a master’s degree in social sciences in 2017 from Rhodes University,” the university said.