The Durban University of Technology (DUT) will proudly celebrate one of its most dedicated academics, Pamela Rakoma, as she graduates with her PhD in Library and Information Studies at the 2025 Spring Graduation Ceremony, taking place at the Olive Convention Centre on Wednesday, 18 September 2025.
Rakoma’s academic journey began in 1992 at the then ML Sultan Technikon. Initially drawn to Analytical Chemistry, fate led her to the Department of Library and Information Studies (LIS), under the guidance of Mrs Wendy Gordon. With no prior knowledge of LIS, her curiosity and determination opened doors that would define her career. “Back then, there was no CAO,” she recalls. “You would walk into any department looking for a space.”
Her timing was fortuitous. The Phalaborwa Mining Company was building community libraries, and Pamela’s newly acquired skills were in demand. After completing her National Diploma, she returned to Limpopo and began working in various organisations, establishing libraries and engaging in outreach programmes.
In 2000, Rakoma welcomed her daughter into the world. Despite the challenges of single motherhood and the loss of her father, she remained committed in her pursuit of education. “Things were hard, but I said I am going god will make a plan,” she said. That plan unfolded beautifully. She returned to DUT in 2001 to pursue her Bachelor of Technology Degree in Library and Information Studies, and later, her Master’s.
Her academic journey was supported by mentors who shaped her into the educator she is today such as Professor Mhlongo, Dr Naresh Sentoo, Prof Jay Raju, and others. Their influence helped her transition from student to lecturer, eventually securing a permanent position at DUT’s Alan Pittendrigh Library while continuing to teach during the day.
After completing her National Diploma in Library and Information Studies, Rakoma returned to Limpopo, where she quickly secured employment thanks to the strong theoretical and practical grounding she had received at DUT. Her work in the late 1990s often involved setting up new libraries and engaging in community outreach programmes.
In 2001, after becoming a mother, she returned to DUT to pursue her Bachelor of Technology in Library and Information Studies. Soon after completing the degree, she was invited to lecture part-time in the programme a moment she describes as both humbling and life-changing. “I had the best mentors Mrs Mhlongo who is now Professor Mhlongo, Dr Naresh Sentoo, Prof Jay Raju, Prof. Graham Stewart, Prof. Mogie Rajkomaar, Dr Musa Khomo, Dr Athena, and Prof. Smangele Moyane. They shaped me into the academic I am today,” she explained.
Rakoma went on to work at the Alan Pittendrigh Library as an After-Hours Librarian, while still lecturing in Library and Information Studies by day. During this time, she also completed her BTech in Library and Information Studies. In 2007, she officially joined the academic staff in the LIS Programme, where she has been instrumental in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL).
Her doctoral research, which focused on developing a multimodal framework for WIL assessment, produced the P3 multimodal WIL assessment framework, a significant contribution to the field. “I love WIL, and it was only natural that my research focused on this area,” she explained
The PhD journey, however, was not without its challenges. “There were times when I wanted to give up, when my faith and sanity were tested, but my daughter encouraged me, and my supervisors, Dr Naresh Sentoo and Prof Mogie Rajkomaar, never gave up on me. I am grateful that I completed this qualification at my home institution DUT, Rakoma explained.
Reflecting on her long academic and professional journey, Rakoma attributes her success to her unwavering faith, resilience, and the support of her colleagues, family, and mentors. “I am a living testimony that dreams do come true. Never let go of your dream, even when it seems impossible. My advice is simple if you believe in yourself everything is possible,” she said.
As she prepares to walk across the graduation stage in her long-awaited red gown, Rakoma says she feels a deep sense of fulfilment. “With reference to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, I believe I am at the self-actualisation stage. But this is not the end I want to grow further, supervise students, publish, attend conferences, and continue to give back to the Library and Information Studies profession,” she explained.
For her, this moment is not only a personal victory but also a tribute to her late mother and father, who instilled in her the value of perseverance. “I only wish my mother was here to witness this milestone,” she said.
Pictured: Pamela Rakoma
Sinamile Sithole/Bonginkosi Msezane
