Sanet Steenkamp, the career educator and administrator, who last year took up political office as education minister, knows no limits in her pursuit for excellence, personally and professionally.
She has now added a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to her name, marking a milestone that blends academic excellence with years of public service.
Her accomplishments were celebrated last Thursday, during a public lecture hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
The event honoured and celebrated Steenkamp’s completion of her doctoral studies at Rhodes University, where her research focused on teacher leadership and inclusive education.
Speaking at a well-attended event, NUST’s acting vice chancellor Andrew Niikondo described the occasion as more than a personal celebration, saying it reflected “dedication, discipline and the transformative power of education”.
He traced the minister’s journey through the education sector, from classroom teacher and senior school counsellor in the Oshana region to director of education in Ohangwena, executive director in the former Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, and ultimately her appointment as minister and Member of Parliament in 2025.
“What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that she attained her doctorate in the same year she assumed ministerial office, while carrying national leadership responsibilities and fulfilling her roles as a wife and mother,” he said.
Steenkamp began her doctoral journey in 2018, embarking on what became a demanding seven-year process that required balancing public service, family life and rigorous academic work. “She stands as a powerful example to young women, educators and public servants who wonder whether ambition and responsibility can coexist. “Her story answers that question with a resounding yes,” he added.
Taking to the podium, Steenkamp offered a candid reflection on her academic journey, describing it as demanding and at times overwhelming. Although she formally commenced her PhD in 2018 under the supervision of former Cabinet secretary George Simataa, she explained that her preparation began years earlier.
In 2013, she enrolled in a pre-doctoral programme at Rhodes University and officially registered in 2015, the same year she was appointed executive director. She spent a full year developing her research proposal, navigating academic pressures alongside growing professional and personal responsibilities.
Addressing current and aspiring PhD candidates, Steenkamp encouraged perseverance and self-belief. “Your journey will be demanding; it will test your endurance and your faith,” she said. “But it will also reveal your strength. Embrace the turbulence; it is a sign that you are transforming in mind and purpose,” she said.
She urged scholars to develop their academic voice, emphasising the importance of consistent writing, engaging with feedback and leading with humility and courage. She also acknowledged that the doctoral journey continues beyond graduation, particularly through the challenge of publishing scholarly work, a skill she noted she is still refining.
During the ceremony, Steenkamp received tokens of appreciation from both Nust and the University of Namibia in recognition of her academic milestone. The public lecture was attended by senior government members of the education fraternity.