College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Academic journey a testament to dedication and resilience

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Dr Matome Simeon Maake

In the heart of Limpopo, amid the vibrant academic community of Unisa, a tale of resilience, dedication and academic triumph unfolds. Dr Matome Simeon Maake, a shining example of perseverance and scholarly pursuit, recently reached the pinnacle of his academic journey by obtaining a PhD in Agriculture.

Maake's journey began over a decade ago when he joined the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences as a junior lecturer. His entry into academia coincided with the inception of the Grow Your Own Timber project in 2011, an initiative aimed at nurturing young academics within the university. In recognition of his potential, he was enlisted as one of the project's recruits, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Maake remained undeterred in his pursuit of academic excellence. With unwavering determination, he juggled his responsibilities as a lecturer while pursuing further studies. In 2015 he proudly obtained a master’s degree, laying the foundation for his future academic endeavours.

Undeterred by the rigors of academia, Maake continued to push the boundaries of knowledge by enrolling in a PhD programme at Unisa the following year. In his doctoral research he delved into the intricate dynamics of agricultural extension, rural development and food security, focusing on farmers’ acceptance of university-based extension services in Gauteng.

In 2023, his perseverance bore fruit when he successfully submitted his thesis for examination, marking a significant milestone in his academic career. His groundbreaking research not only contributed to scholarly discourse but also uncovered important factors that help to explain the participation of institutions of higher learning in the provision of pluralistic extension services to farmers. 

* By Prudence Kayoka, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

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Publish date: 2024-05-27 00:00:00.0

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