67 and just getting started. Dr Retha Smit earns her PhD from Stellenbosch University after decades of perseverance, proving it’s never too late to chase your goals.
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At an age when many are slowing down, Dr Retha Smit has reached one of the highest academic milestones, proving that perseverance and purpose can outlast time.
The 67-year-old was awarded her PhD in psychiatry from Stellenbosch University on Thursday, March 26, 2026, a moment that marked the culmination of a journey decades in the making.
Her story is one of resilience, sacrifice and an unwavering belief in lifelong learning.
“I had already set a clear goal when I enrolled as a first-year student in 2012, to obtain my PhD. Age was never a factor for me,” Smit said.
“Reaching this milestone has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I feel both proud and thankful to have achieved this goal.
“This achievement shows that with perseverance, a positive mindset, and self-belief, you can achieve what you set out to accomplish.”
Her supervisor, Prof Laila Asmal, described Smit’s accomplishment as “a wonderful testament to perseverance, lifelong learning, and the power of starting again”.
Smit’s path to a doctorate did not follow a traditional timeline.
After qualifying with a diploma in general nursing and obstetrics, she entered psychiatric research in 1996, taking up a role as a study coordinator for clinical trials despite having no formal background in psychiatry at the time.
Her determination quickly set her apart. She went on to become a principal study coordinator at a busy psychiatric clinical trials unit at Stellenbosch University, a position she held until her retirement at the end of 2023.
But it was only later in life that she was able to formally pursue her academic ambitions.
As a single mother raising four children while working full-time, and at times holding a second job, further studies had to wait.
“It was very important for me to balance my professional responsibilities with meaningful time with my children,” she said.
“During those years, there was little opportunity for me to pursue further studies. However, I always carried the intention of continuing my education when the time was right.”
That opportunity came in 2012, when her youngest child went to university.
From there, Smit’s academic rise was swift and remarkable. She completed her honours degree in psychology cum laude at the age of 60 through University of South Africa, followed by a master’s degree in research psychology, before ultimately achieving her PhD.
Smit’s doctoral research focuses on relapse in schizophrenia, a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition.
She highlights that while schizophrenia affects about 1% of the global population, its impact is profound.
“It is a chronic illness characterised by high relapse rates, which can lead to severe psychosocial and biological consequences,” she said.
Her work explores how relapse is driven not only by treatment adherence, but also by biological vulnerability, psychosocial support and broader structural factors.
“Interventions that neglect any of these levels are unlikely to yield sustainable improvements in relapse outcomes,” she said.
In 2024, Smit also conducted South Africa’s first virtual reality-based study on schizophrenia, following specialised training in Denmark on AVATAR therapy, an approach aimed at addressing persistent auditory hallucinations.
Despite reaching a milestone many spend a lifetime pursuing, Smit has no intention of stopping.
She plans to publish her research, co-supervise master’s students and remain involved in ongoing clinical trials focused on schizophrenia.
Beyond academia, she nurtures a creative side, playing acoustic guitar with friends and crafting intricate Irish crochet and lace designs she taught herself through online tutorials.
She has even built a detailed miniature model of her family home, complete with furniture and décor.
“It is never too late to reach your goal. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy good physical and mental health, the most important step is to set your mind on a goal,” she said.
“Consider the challenges you may face in achieving that goal and plan actively to overcome them. Use the talents you have been given and allow yourself the opportunity to embark on a fulfilling journey of personal growth and enrichment.”
Smit’s story stands as a reminder that determination, no matter how long it takes, can lead to extraordinary achievement.
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