Flagstaff-born Dr Yonela Njisane’s love for animals has seen her graduate with a doctorate in agriculture and meat science at the tender age of 26.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Njisane said she actually wanted to become a vet but realised there were other ways of taking care of animals.
“At the moment, our country is facing rising concerns on food security and the quality of meat and so my thesis focused on the welfare of animals and how their treatment prior to being slaughtered affects the quality of meat produced.”
The University of Fort Hare graduate said she relished the experience as it gave her an opportunity to spend long hours with animals.
She said pursuing her PhD straight after her master’s degree was no easy feat but she was kept motivated by the strong need to fulfil her goals.
“Firstly, I couldn’t have done this without God. He’s been faithful and my strength.
“My mom has also been my inspiration. Growing up I noticed that she worked so hard for us to have a better life and that is what kept me on the path, wanting to give myself a better life and to build a legacy for my own family one day,” she said.
Njisane, who matriculated from Sehole Combined School in Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, said she had to submit two proposals.
“For the first when we went into the field, we didn’t find what we were looking for. So at the end of my first year, we had to find a totally new subject,” said Njisane, adding that it took her three years to do her PhD.
She hopes her achievements inspire the next generation of scholars and that she will be proof that nothing is impossible regardless of where you come from.
“Most people I know and went to school with come from very difficult situations but they succeeded because they worked hard. So did I.
“If I hadn’t been diligent I would not have been awarded all the bursaries that saw me through my studies.
“So it’s not about where you come from or who you are, but what you want to achieve,” she said.
Love for animals drives young PhD graduate
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Njisane said she actually wanted to become a vet but realised there were other ways of taking care of animals.
“At the moment, our country is facing rising concerns on food security and the quality of meat and so my thesis focused on the welfare of animals and how their treatment prior to being slaughtered affects the quality of meat produced.”
The University of Fort Hare graduate said she relished the experience as it gave her an opportunity to spend long hours with animals.
She said pursuing her PhD straight after her master’s degree was no easy feat but she was kept motivated by the strong need to fulfil her goals.
“Firstly, I couldn’t have done this without God. He’s been faithful and my strength.
“My mom has also been my inspiration. Growing up I noticed that she worked so hard for us to have a better life and that is what kept me on the path, wanting to give myself a better life and to build a legacy for my own family one day,” she said.
Njisane, who matriculated from Sehole Combined School in Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, said she had to submit two proposals.
“For the first when we went into the field, we didn’t find what we were looking for. So at the end of my first year, we had to find a totally new subject,” said Njisane, adding that it took her three years to do her PhD.
She hopes her achievements inspire the next generation of scholars and that she will be proof that nothing is impossible regardless of where you come from.
“Most people I know and went to school with come from very difficult situations but they succeeded because they worked hard. So did I.
“If I hadn’t been diligent I would not have been awarded all the bursaries that saw me through my studies.
“So it’s not about where you come from or who you are, but what you want to achieve,” she said.
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