The turning point came when among her mom’s cleansing customers discussed a secretarial job opening at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa.
Using the IT skills she had acquired earlier, Millicent obtained the function, and effectively got the task. For the first time, she had steady earnings, which enabled her to pursue her dream of making a degree.In 2003, Millicent enrolled at University of South Africa to pursue a Diploma in Info Technology.Balancing work, household
duties, and studies was tough, specifically as she had become an income producer for her household. The journey took longer than anticipated, however in 2010 she lastly finished the diploma.”It took long, but I did not give up since I understood my background, “she stated. Determined to go even more, she enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology, where she made a Bachelor’s degree in Infotech in 2018 and a Master of Innovation in Information Technology in 2019. Her dedication began opening expert doors. In July 2014, Millicent joined the University of the Witwatersrand as a Projects and Proposal Officer in the Development and Fundraising Office.Every day, she would stroll past the Academic Information and Systems Unit (AISU)workplaces and silently
inform herself:”One day I will be here.” And her decision settled. In 2019, she signed up with AISU as a Systems Support Expert , and by July 2024, she was promoted to Deputy Head, becoming a leader within among South Africa’s top universities.With her profession advancing, Millicent decided to pursue a PhD in Education at the University of the Witwatersrand.During the COVID-19 pandemic, she observed the massive shift toward online knowing and
turned it into a research opportunity.Her doctoral thesis, Digital Technology Allowed Education: Exploring Digital Education Affordances on Trainee Performance, analyzed how trainees– especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds– adapted to digital learning during the pandemic.
Her research contributes important insights into making greater education more inclusive and available. In July 2025, Millicent officially finished with her PhD in Education from the University of Witswaterand.Graduation day was deeply psychological. Throughout previous graduations, Millicent often sobbed because her
mother, who had actually supported her dreams, passed away before seeing her achievements.But this time, she reviewed her journey differently committing the degree to her mom.”I started this PhD for you, Mother– but I am concluding it for my kids, she declared.And her father
, now visually impaired, participated in the ceremony and listened happily as her name was called, a moment that symbolized success for the whole family.Today, Dr. Millicent is a mom of four, a higher education leader, and an advocate for doctoral education among professionals and administrative staff.She thinks that PhDs need to not be viewed as something reserved for just a few people.”We require to debunk PhDs as something beyond our reach.”Millicent urged girls and ladies who may feel restricted by their background to believe in their capability.” I desire every woman and lady to know that this is possible, “she stated.