Professor dream drives doctoral graduate to rise beyond limits

As a young girl Lindi Sindelo’s biggest dream was to one day earn the esteemed title of professor – an aspiration which was sparked by a character in a TV soap opera.

She came one step closer to realising her dream when she was awarded a Doctorate in Public Administration during CPUT’s Summer Graduation.

Her academic journey started in Willowmore in the Eastern Cape, and she faced several hurdles along the way.

She attended primary school in Willowmore and later in Pacaltsdorp before matriculating back in her hometown in 2007.

At school she performed well academically and dreamed of one day working at a university as a professor.

“I used to watch a soapie on SABC where one of the characters was a lecturer and I wished I could one day become a professor and work at a university.”

Her wish to further her education had to be delayed for several years.

“My journey to becoming a doctor did not start in lecture halls or libraries — it began behind a till. After matriculating, I worked as a cashier for two years and, when hotels hosted functions, I used to wash dishes to earn an honest living. At that time, studying felt like a distant dream, but something inside me knew that my story was not meant to end there and that I am destined for greatness.”

She worked several jobs over the years, including as a cashier and a caregiver before enrolling at CPUT in 2012.

Financially I struggled but I persevered because studying was what I always wanted.”

While waiting for her financial aid several family members and other good Samaritans assisted her.

“From my second year of study, I worked part-time in a call centre to support myself. That experience taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of hard work. Later, I began my in-service training at a Western Cape Government department, and through dedication, I secured a permanent position in the same department.”

She graduated with a Master of Public Administration in 2019 and decided to enrol for her doctoral degree.

“During that time, I had a tough conversation with myself. I faced the reality that I had stopped growing, that I was no longer motivated, and that my passion had dimmed. With deep reflection, courage, and faith, I made the difficult decision to resign from my job so I could fully dedicate myself to my studies. The journey was far from easy. I faced multiple hurdles—some within my control, many beyond it.

“I held onto a personal promise: to persevere, to show up, and to stay committed. I learned to rise above challenges and to grow through what I was experiencing, always seeking the lesson in every obstacle. I come from humble beginnings—truly from nothing. To reach where I am today, I had to work extraordinarily hard. And today, with immense pride and gratitude, I can say that I am the first Doctor in both my maternal and paternal families.”

She now works as a contract lecturer in the Department of Public Administration and Governance at CPUT.

“I feel like I am starting to live my dream. It is starting to manifest.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za