“From rural Msinga to a master’s in chemistry, Lindiwe Thusi’s journey reflects resilience, academic excellence, and a vision for the future.”
17 April 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
3 minutes read time.
Before the laboratories, the research presentations, and the recognition, there was a young girl in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal, studying by candlelight.
Electricity was not always guaranteed. Some evenings were shaped by darkness, quiet determination, and the rhythm of survival. She ironed her school uniform over an open fire and studied when she could, using what she had.
“I finished matric using a candle to study and fire to iron my clothes,” said Ms Lindiwe Thusi.
Today, she stands as a master’s graduate in Chemistry from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), her journey marked not by ease, but by persistence.
Her achievement forms part of VUT’s Autumn Graduation ceremonies, held from 13 to 24 April 2026, celebrating the University’s 60th generation of graduates. Within this moment, her story carries a quiet weight, a reminder that behind every qualification is a life shaped by choice, sacrifice, and belief.
Born and raised in humble circumstances, her path into higher education was never guaranteed. Yet even then, there was direction. Being admitted into a bachelor’s programme was not just an opportunity, it was a turning point.
Her connection to Chemistry grew during her diploma studies. What began as curiosity became purpose. The dream of becoming a doctor and making a difference in her community evolved into a deeper engagement with science and research.
“I wanted to bring something they think is impossible where I grew up,” she said.
That belief carried her into postgraduate study, where the challenges became more complex. Long hours in the laboratory, failed experiments, and the constant demand for precision tested her resilience.
There were days when nothing worked.
“There were times when my synthesis would fail, and I would feel like giving up,” she said. “But I would tell myself that I will try again tomorrow.”
That quiet promise to herself became a discipline. Each setback was followed by another attempt, another return to the laboratory, another long night of trying again.
Often, that “tomorrow” meant working late into the night, sometimes until morning. Progress was not always visible, but it was steady.
Her research, titled Synthesis of zinc and lead sulfide nanoparticles and the preparation of nanocomposites for the removal of methylene blue and iron (II) ions in wastewater, reflects more than academic excellence. It speaks to a commitment to solving real problems, particularly in a country where access to clean water remains a pressing challenge.
Her work did not go unnoticed. In 2025, she was awarded Best Research Presenter at the VIVA VUT presentations. In 2024, she secured second place in the Best Poster Presentation category at the South African Chemical Institute Young Chemists Symposium at the North-West University. These moments of recognition affirmed not only her scientific ability, but her growing voice within the academic space.
Yet, through it all, she remained grounded. She speaks about small, daily goals, about consistency, and about the importance of not isolating oneself. “Never give up, even if things are not coming together,” she said.
Now, as she prepares to begin her PhD, her vision continues to expand. She sees herself not only as a researcher, but as a future lecturer and, ultimately, a professor, someone who will guide and inspire others.
“I want to share my knowledge with students and help them see what is possible,” she said.
Her story is not defined by where she started, but by how she moved forward. It is about choosing to continue, even when the path is unclear.
As VUT celebrates its 60th generation of graduates, Lindiwe Thusi’s journey reminds us that progress is often quiet. It unfolds in small, determined steps, in moments that go unseen.
And sometimes, it begins with a candle.