Dressed in his red regalia, 80-year-old Rob Jeffrey, received his PhD in Engineering Management at the University of Johannesburg.
With his family by his side to celebrate this auspicious day with him, the retired businessman felt both nervous and excited. The work that went into this achievement was driven by his need to have a purpose. “I wanted a subject that would challenge me and would give a positive result for all South Africans especially the unemployed and poor,” he shared.
His thesis is described as being an independent economic analysis of the electricity generation industry in South Africa and an assessment of the best course of action that the country can take to develop its electricity generation resources.
Tanya Jeffrey, the graduate’s eldest daughter said, “Today we are so happy to be celebrating this very special day with my father. He turned 80 years old last year and today, he receives his PhD.” She said this achievement is an inspiration, not only to her but to everyone. “I want my son to see that you can do anything at any age as long as you set your mind to it.”
Carol, Rob’s wife of 53 years, said she had seen him work tirelessly for four years in an effort to achieve this goal. “This has been his passion,” she said emotionally.
She added that through all the challenges he had faced with his health and spending the last two years in a wheelchair, he still showed and has now proved his dedication. For her, seeing him attain this momentous goal at his age is a wonderful experience to be part of.
Now that he is done with his PhD, Carol jokingly added she does not know what he will now do with his time, “He is going to have to sort out his photographs as he is also a keen photographer.”
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