Prof. Welma Lubbe reached a remarkable academic milestone when she graduated with her second PhD from the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
Completed under the supervision of Prof. Kirsty Donald, the PhD focused on paediatric neuroscience – a field that complements Prof. Lubbe’s established expertise in neonatal care and neurodevelopmental supportive care.
For Prof. Lubbe, however, this qualification represents far more than another academic accolade. It reflects a deliberate effort to broaden her professional knowledge, contribute to the future academic programmes of the North-West University (NWU), and affirm her sense of purpose following an intensely personal journey.
Broadening a lifetime’s work
Prof. Lubbe’s research and professional career have centred on neurodevelopmental supportive care, particularly the well-being of babies and their families. While this field is often led by nursing professionals, it is inherently multidisciplinary and depends on collaboration among a range of healthcare practitioners.
“I wanted to deepen my understanding of the field from a neuroscience perspective,” she explains. “My work focuses primarily on babies and their families, with healthcare professionals serving as the support and service providers. This PhD enabled me to broaden my perspective and strengthen the scientific foundation of the work to which I have devoted my career.”
The qualification also supports an important strategic direction in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the NWU.
Building on existing work and collaboration in neuroprotective care and development, the university is developing a postgraduate diploma and PhD in this field, with the first student intake anticipated in 2028. Plans also include a professional master’s degree and a master’s degree by dissertation.
Together, these programmes aim to build clinical and academic capacity in neuroprotective care and development in South Africa.
Prof. Lubbe’s studies at UCT created valuable opportunities for collaboration, benchmarking and the exploration of future partnerships with the UCT Neuroscience Institute. This work also aligns with plans for a seventh school in the Faculty of Health Sciences, which will have a strong postgraduate and research focus and operate across disciplinary boundaries.
Its initial focus will be neuroprotective care and development among children from birth to three years of age – helping children and families begin life in the best possible way.
A deeply personal achievement
Behind the academic and institutional value of the qualification lies a story of courage and perseverance.
Prof. Lubbe has survived breast cancer twice, receiving chemotherapy during the Covid-19 pandemic. The experience prompted her to reconsider and recalibrate her life purpose.
Continuing to work became one way of managing the physical and emotional demands of her cancer journey. During this period, she achieved her academic dream of becoming a full professor and an NRF-rated researcher.
After completing her treatment, she felt a need to prove to herself that she still possessed the mental capacity and resilience to make a meaningful contribution to academia. Initially, she intended to enrol for a master’s degree as part of her effort to diversify her expertise. Her supervisor, however, believed that a PhD would be better suited to her experience and proposed area of study.
The journey subsequently took another unexpected turn. Approximately one year into the degree, Prof. Lubbe was asked to serve as acting research director of NuMIQ after her predecessor moved into another position. She later accepted a permanent appointment as director.
Although the leadership role had not formed part of her original plan, it offered valuable lessons in research management and leadership, while exposing her to different institutional approaches to research.
“These experiences equipped me more fully for the contribution I hope to make today,” she says.
A testimony of grace
Prof. Lubbe is quick to acknowledge that this achievement was not hers alone. She credits the unwavering support of her husband, children, parents, extended family and colleagues, whom she describes as her “great cheerleaders”.
Above all, she views the journey as a testimony of faith.
“This PhD is much more than a certificate on the wall or another addition to my CV,” she says. “It is a testimony of God’s grace and of the wonderful gifts I have received from His hands.”
Her second PhD therefore marks not only the completion of another demanding academic journey, but also the beginning of a new chapter – one dedicated to advancing knowledge, developing future healthcare professionals and giving South Africa’s youngest children the strongest possible start in life.
Prof. Welma Lubbe
