By Mzwandile Ndlovu
Mphumudzeni Siphuma, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus, has swopped his military fatigues and rank for civvies and the title of lecturer in Communication, Journalism and Media Studies at the university’s Potchefstroom Campus.
His career change began in 2019 when he decided to pursue a path beyond the military. During his time in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) he served as a rifleman in the fighting force with the rank of Private, and in 2020 he was transferred to communications, aligning with his academic background. Mphumudzeni holds a BA in communication, an honours degree in communication with journalism and media studies, and a master’s degree in communication. He is currently pursuing a PhD in communication at the NWU.
While studying for his BA in communication, he balanced tutoring, mentoring, assisting as a graduate assistant as well as working night shifts in the SANDF, and had to stay focused and disciplined.
“I decided that I wanted to do something more with my life than just being a soldier. My goal was to enter academia. It was not easy, but I had set this goal, and I knew that if I wanted to achieve it, I had to balance all these roles. It was a goal-driven mission,” says Mphumudzeni.
After two years as a temporary lecturer at the NWU, he was appointed as a full-time lecturer in Communication, Journalism and Media studies in January 2026.
“Personally, it feels great that all the goals that I have set for myself have been achieved. Professionally, this is a continuation of the journey that will end with a professorship.”
Education has always been a calling for Mphumudzeni, who views academia as a way to shape the next generation. “I have always loved education, but beside that, I am very passionate about youth development. Joining academia, I believe, will allow me to help and shape young people for a better future,” he says.
“Of course, the military background contributes a lot to my teaching philosophy. I have a student-centred approach to teaching and learning. There are two core values that I use in my class: respect, we respect each other, and discipline.”
His advice to students and young professionals seeking direction is this. “Find yourself. That means knowing who you are, looking at your background and surroundings, and deciding where you want to go. Then set your goals and live according to them. You need discipline and resilience. Education is the easiest way to move forward in life, and you must remember that nature and nurture shape you.”
Mphumudzeni is taking his own advice by setting his sights on his next academic role, which involves completing his PhD, followed by promotion to senior lecturer, and ultimately achieving his goal of becoming a professor.
Mphumudzeni Siphuma
