When Prof. Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe arrived at the North-West University (NWU) as a teenager, she carried with her a determination to excel. Years later, that determination has culminated in one of her highest achievements: her appointment as a full professor at the University of Johannesburg.
Her journey is one marked by milestones. From becoming Africa’s youngest female PhD graduate to earning a Y-rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and, attaining full professorship in May 2026, Prof. Saurombe continues to demonstrate what is possible when talent, hard work and opportunity intersect.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Botswana, Prof. Saurombe completed high school at the age of 15 and enrolled at the NWU at 16. She completed her BCom honours degree in human resource management, followed by a master's degree completed cum laude and a PhD in industrial psychology.
In 2017, at just 23 years old, she made history as the youngest female PhD graduate in Africa at the time. The achievement brought continental recognition and established her as one of the most promising young scholars on the continent.
Constantly aiming higher
Since then, her academic career has continued on an upward trajectory. She has built an extensive research portfolio focusing on talent management, employee value proposition, psychological contracts, leadership, organisational behaviour and youth and women empowerment. Prof. Saurombe’s work has contributed to scholarship and practice in higher education, business and public sector institutions.
Her research achievements have also earned national recognition. In 2025, she received the NRF Research Excellence Award for Early Career and Emerging Researchers, further cementing her position among South Africa’s leading young academics.
Alongside her research contributions, she has remained committed to teaching, supervision and mentorship. Throughout her career, she has supervised honours, master's and doctoral students, helping to develop future scholars and leaders.
Opportunities to grow
Prof. Saurombe says the university provided the foundation upon which her academic career has been built.
“The NWU shaped my journey in ways that extend far beyond academic qualifications. It was at the NWU where I was challenged to think critically, pursue excellence and believe that age should never be a limitation to achievement,” she says.
“The mentorship, research opportunities and support I received during my postgraduate studies laid the foundation for every milestone that followed. The NWU gave me the platform to grow as a scholar, researcher and leader, and I will always be grateful for the role it played in helping me realise my potential.”
She believes that young people should remain focused on their goals regardless of the challenges they encounter.
Take the first step
“Many opportunities begin with a willingness to take the first step. Young people should embrace learning, remain curious and trust the process. Success is rarely immediate, but persistence and discipline often open doors that once seemed impossible,” she says.
For the NWU, Prof. Saurombe’s appointment as a full professor reflects the impact that its graduates continue to make in academia, industry and society. Her journey from student to professor demonstrates how higher education can empower young people to become researchers, innovators and leaders.
As South Africa commemorates Youth Month 2026, her story serves as an example of what can be achieved through commitment to learning and personal growth. From record-breaking graduate to full professor, Prof. Saurombe continues to reach new academic heights while inspiring the next generation of scholars across the continent.
Prof. Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe
