After taking a 14-year break from academia, 47-year-old Marethabile Selloane Florina Hoeane-Makote returned to university, graduated cum laude with a postgraduate diploma and went on to complete a Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
Born in Morija, Lesotho, Hoeane-Makote will cross the stage at DUT’s 2026 Spring Graduation at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban, marking a significant milestone in an academic journey that she once questioned whether she could complete.
Her return to academia began in 2023 when she enrolled for a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Information Management. She subsequently progressed to a Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management in 2024.
After being away from university for more than a decade, returning to academic life was challenging. Hoeane-Makote said she initially struggled with low self-esteem and questioned whether she was still capable of succeeding academically.
Her concerns were soon replaced by confidence when she graduated cum laude with her postgraduate diploma. The achievement motivated her to continue with her studies.
“My decision to continue with my qualification was driven by the desire for personal and professional growth, as well as my love for learning,” she said.
Her Master’s research focused on another major change affecting the workplace: artificial intelligence (AI). Her dissertation, titled “The Influence of Artificial Intelligence Administrative Tools on the Existence of the Secretarial Profession: Government Ministries”, explored how AI-powered administrative tools are changing the nature of secretarial work.
Hoeane-Makote said her interest in the topic developed from observing the rapid growth of AI across different industries and its potential impact on administrative professions.
AI tools are increasingly being used to improve service delivery, support data management and automate repetitive tasks. However, their growing use also raises questions about how administrative professionals will adapt and what their roles may look like in the future.
Her research focused on secretaries working in Lesotho Government Ministries, examining how they perceive AI-powered administrative tools and how these technologies are influencing their duties and future responsibilities.
“For secretaries, the findings can help create awareness of the changes taking place and encourage them to prepare for the future by adapting to new technologies,” she said.
The completion of her Master’s was not without challenges. Financial constraints at the beginning of her studies required her to make difficult personal sacrifices. She also had to live away from her children while pursuing her qualification, which she described as emotionally challenging.
Despite these difficulties, she remained focused on completing her studies. With the support of her supervisor, she was able to secure funding from DUT, which helped ease some of the financial pressure.
Throughout her journey, Hoeane-Makote said the DUT Living Values of transparency, respect and accountability helped shape her approach to her studies and professional responsibilities. She also highlighted discipline, integrity and commitment as important qualities in achieving her goals.
Her achievement has brought great joy to her family, particularly her parents, whom she credits for supporting and encouraging her throughout her academic journey.
Completing the Master’s has also strengthened her desire to continue learning and conducting research. She hopes to pursue a PhD, with a particular interest in how emerging technologies such as AI are transforming administrative environments and how professionals can prepare for these changes.
For Hoeane-Makote, returning to university after 14 years has given her more than another qualification. It has restored her confidence in her own abilities and opened the door to further academic and professional opportunities.
She encourages students who may doubt themselves to remain committed, even when the journey seems difficult.
“No matter how frightening or difficult the journey may appear, the final destination can still be reached,” she advises.
As she prepares to graduate from DUT, Hoeane-Makote is looking beyond the stage and towards the next chapter of her academic journey, determined to continue learning, researching and contributing to the changing world of work.
Pictured: Marethabile Selloane Florina Hoeane-Makote is set to obtain her Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management
Picture: Supplied
Luyanda Mlaba
