Originally from Murewa in Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland East Province, Simba Matema now calls Kwekwe in KwaZulu-Natal home. A dedicated teacher and lecturer by profession, he is equally passionate about sports and proudly follows his favourite football club. His decision to pursue further studies was not sudden, but rather the result of years of commitment to personal growth, learning and inspiring those around him.

"As a lecturer, I have always been driven by a passion for knowledge and a desire to achieve. Pursuing a PhD is a natural progression for me, allowing me to deepen my expertise, contribute to my field and inspire my family," he explains.

Matema first learnt about Unisa through advertisements placed in local Zimbabwean newspapers by a Harare-based college that facilitated registrations. What attracted him most was the flexibility of Unisa’s learning model.

"I saw an opportunity to study without interrupting my full-time job. Since most of Unisa’s processes are online, it was very convenient for me," he recalls.

Before embarking on his PhD studies, Malema obtained a Diploma in Education from the University of Zimbabwe, followed by a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Marketing from the Zimbabwe Open University. He later earned both an Honours degree and a Master’s degree in Business Management (Marketing) through Unisa.

Studying at a South African university while based in Zimbabwe presents its own set of challenges. Matema admits that his family sometimes worries about the financial strain of studying abroad, but they also recognise the prestige and international credibility that Unisa offers.

While administrative processes such as registration, fee payments and online account setup have been seamless and straightforward thanks to Unisa’s streamlined systems, reliable connectivity poses a persistent challenge.

"Connectivity is erratic, and data is expensive. It makes online study difficult at times, but I try to work around it," he shares. 

Balancing his role as a lecturer with his PhD studies requires discipline. Weekdays are filled with teaching responsibilities, leaving evenings and weekends for research and assignments. The myUnisa platform and Unisa’s online library have become his lifelines, giving him access to materials anytime, anywhere – provided the internet cooperates.

A key highlight of his journey so far has been the unwavering support he receives from his supervisors, Dr Elsa Wessels and Prof Jan Wiid from the Department of Marketing and Retail Management at Unisa.

"The relationship has been exceptional. They understand my challenges with connectivity and load-shedding. They regularly check in, arrange online meetings and guide me step by step," he says.

What could have been a solitary journey has become a deeply connected one instead. Matema’s studies have immersed him in a vibrant research community. Through workshops, online forums and postgraduate seminars, he connects with researchers from around the world. He has also had opportunities to network locally with fellow Zimbabwean Unisa students – even attending a special Unisa dinner at the Meikles Hotel in Harare. 

For Matema, one of the most rewarding aspects of his experience is Unisa’s flexibility. Studying online allows him to continue working while pursuing his doctoral degree. He is especially grateful for the Unisa M&D bursary he received, which has eased the financial strain associated with tuition and research.

"Without the financial support, I would not have been able to continue my studies. For that, I am deeply thankful," he reflects.

When asked what advice he would offer to other Zimbabwean students considering Unisa, his message is one of encouragement: "Go for Unisa. It is a global institution that opens doors to international opportunities. You can balance work, life, and studies because of its flexible learning model. The resources are readily available online, the staff are supportive, and you become part of a worldwide research community."

Matema’s story is more than an academic journey – it is a reminder that education knows no borders. His determination to pursue a PhD despite challenges with resources and connectivity reflects the power of resilience and vision. Through his studies, he is not only investing in his own future but also inspiring his family, students and community to dream bigger. 

* By Jo Cossavella, Communications Officer, Unisa KwaZulu-Natal