UNISA PHD graduate Dr La-Portia Mahlangu-Matjila defies Illness and loss to earn doctorate

In a story of strength, faith and perseverance, Dr La-Portia Mahlangu-Matjila — a senior academic at Unisa, has earned her doctorate despite a series of devastating health setbacks and personal losses. Her journey reflects not just personal courage but also the impact of institutional support and inclusive policies for staff living with disabilities.

In February 2019 Dr Mahlangu-Matjila was diagnosed with polymyositis, a debilitating autoimmune disease that gradually caused paralysis. Doctors initially gave her just months to live. The prognosis was grim, further complicated by depression, a stroke and later a cancer diagnosis. During this time she lost her parents and her eldest son, and friends began distancing themselves.

Despite being physically fragile she refused to give up. Unisa, her employer of twenty-eight years, provided unwavering support. Through its disability desk and under the principle of reasonable accommodation, she was assigned an employment-equity specialist and allowed to continue working even during rehabilitation. She also used assistive technology and registered for further study.

In 2021 she completed her master’s degree. Not satisfied, she enrolled for a PhD in public administration in 2022. Her thesis investigated the effects of remote working on performance management at an open distance eLearning institution, a subject with added relevance in recent years. Despite her health struggles and the loss she endured, she remained determined.

On 20 October 2025 she was officially conferred with her PhD at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus. The achievement was met with admiration and respect across the academic community. “When I reflect on what I went through, I feel both humbled and honoured,” she said, acknowledging the difficult road she travelled.