The old adage, ‘tough times never last, but tough people do’, has proved to be true for UP alumna Dr Vicky Knoetze, who endured hardships in the first year of her PhD, juggling academics and work as a Democratic Alliance politician during the 2019 national and provincial elections. Although a demanding period in her life, she withered the storm with great success.

“The year 2019 proved to me that there is nothing I cannot do and there is nothing too difficult for me to handle. It taught me a lot about myself, showcased my resilience and capabilities,” she says.

Read more about her love for her career and what fuels her.

Q: Please share the details of your studies, mentioning the qualification/s you completed at UP, what motivated you during your studies, and how you overcame any challenges you encountered.

A: I graduated with a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Pretoria in 2017. Shortly thereafter, in 2019, I registered for a PhD in Public Administration and graduated in 2022.

The year 2019 was an extremely challenging year for me as I had to attend several study sessions, which took me out of the Eastern Cape, where I work. During the same year, the national and provincial elections also took place and it was an extremely demanding period. Not only did I personally have to stand for re-election, I had to contest the national/provincial elections as well as two other by-elections within my constituency in the same year. It was an extremely difficult period where I often wondered how I would manage. However, 2019 proved to me that there is nothing I cannot do and there is nothing too difficult for me to handle. The year 2019 taught me a lot about myself, showcased my resilience and capabilities.

Moreover, I believe that my relationship with God, the unwavering support of my partner, my friends and my family helped me to overcome all the challenges I faced during this time.

Q: Briefly summarise your professional career, including your highlights/milestones and current position.

A: After I completed my LLB in 2002 at the now Nelson Mandela University, I started my journey in politics with the Democratic Alliance (DA). In 2011, I was elected as a Local Government Ward Councillor at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In 2014, I was elected as a member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and was re-elected in 2019. As a member of the legislature, my portfolios were mostly in the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Public Works and Infrastructure in terms of which I am the DA’s Provincial Spokesperson.

By virtue of the fact that I am an elected public representative to a legislature, I also serve the Democratic Alliance as a constituency leader. During my time in office, I was a constituency leader of various geographical areas, including Zuurberg constituency (Sunday’s River Valley Municipality and Blue Crane Route Municipality), Dr Beyers Naudé Constituency/Municipality, EC Midlands Constituency (Inxuba Yethemba Municipality, which includes Cradock and Middelburg) and currently, the Tsitsi-Kouga constituency, which includes the Kouga and Koukamma municipalities. I am honoured to have been elected as the Deputy Provincial Leader of the DA in the Eastern Cape at our Provincial Congress in March this year. I have also served the DA on various platforms and in various other capacities, such as a member of the Provincial Executive for the past six years and a member of the Federal Legal Commission.

One of my proudest achievements and projects was initiating the continent’s first plastic road pilot project in the Kouga Municipality, Jeffreys Bay. It was the result of many people with a shared vision, who believed in the idea that made this project a reality. The project also won two environmental awards.

Q: To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?

A: My studies at UP in Public Administration benefited me greatly in my career and continues to be of great value to me, as it equipped me and empowered me to have a deeper understanding of my role in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and as a representative of the public in general. In particular, my PhD thesis also gave me the opportunity to explore an area of Public Administration which I am extremely passionate about which I do not necessarily deal with in my work as a public representative, which is that of coastal and oceans governance.

Q: Can you single out a special mentor/trusted advisor who played an indispensable role in your life/studies/career?

A: There are three people at the Faculty that played a central role during my studies: Prof Gerda van Dijk, Dr Onkgopotse Madumo and Prof Natasja Holtzhausen. These are the people that I will forever remember as mentors and people who inspired me and motivated me to keep going and never give up. They pushed me to be the best version of myself through my PhD career. I will forever treasure the role they played in my life and academic success.

Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?

A: It is worth it. It is possible. Consistency is key. You are not alone. I will share the golden rule for my life and the choices that I make: “If it is important, you will find a way, if not, you will find an excuse”.

Q: What really inspires and motivates you personally?

A: Many people think that or believe that what others have achieved came to them easily or even by luck or good fortune. The truth is, most people that have achieved anything in life, worked extremely hard and sacrificed a great deal for their achievements.

In my case, the truth is that I struggled at school and nearly failed on more than one occasion. I still remember a specific moment in my life as if it was yesterday. I came home with yet another failed paper. Suddenly it became a reality that I could fail the grade - this moment was a turning point for me. I remember sitting on my bed that night and praying. On that night, at 17 years of age, I made a commitment to God that for as a long as I live, I will make use of every opportunity that He brings across my path. That was the day I turned my life around, and ever since that day, I believe that I have honoured that commitment, and that has made all the difference. This is the moment it all comes back to, every day – this is what keeps me motivated, living God's plan for my life, wherever it may lead.

Q: What, in your opinion, is the foundation of a successful career?

A: In terms of my career and life in general, I believe in the concept of the ‘Golden Circle’ of Simon Sinek. Everything hinges, not on what we do, or how we do it, but WHY we do what we do. It is not something that is as easy to determine as one might think. Basically, everybody can articulate what they do, and most people can tell you how they do what they do, but very few people can explain WHY they do what they do. Find your WHY in life and you will be so much closer to being successful, not only in your career but in everything you do. Knowing your WHY is the foundation of not just a successful career but a successful life.

Q: Which business/trade-related or career-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc.) do you enjoy reading?

A: I have a very wide range of interests. I read most major and local news publications and follow most major and local news outlets to keep up with current affairs and news. One of my favourite publications remains the National Geographic or anything nature and ocean related. I also follow most sport publications.

Q: If you could have a face-to-face meeting with an inspiring person – in any domain – who sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same, who would it be and what would you like to discuss?

A: Alexander the Great – One can learn so much from what he achieved, but also from his failures. He was brave and he was a brilliant strategist. I would love to be able to discuss leadership, the difficulties of leading through adverse circumstances and how he devised his strategies from conquest to conquest.

Q: What are your professional/business/personal aspirations?

A: In terms of my professional career – for me, it is more important to contribute as a servant of the public to people and to South Africa. I want to make a lasting contribution by giving my best every day in whatever capacity or position I serve.

Q: As a UP and EMS alumni, what makes you proud to be associated with the University?

A: I truly believe that UP is one of the best institutions of higher learning in South Africa. As alumni, we have a responsibility to keep the name of the University high in all our endeavours. I am very proud to say that I studied at a university with such a great reputation in terms of faculty, staff and content. We must conduct our business in our careers in particular, in such a way that UP is also proud to be associated with us as alumni.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for Africa and its people for the rest of this decade and beyond?

A: The fact is that Africa as a continent has enormous potential, and South Africa in particular has a major role to play in the ultimate success of the continent. There is so much opportunity in terms of progress, it is our responsibility as leaders within different sectors and industries to open our sails and ensure that we are on the correct course to harness the opportunities that are on offer to ensure a life of progress and prosperity for the people of the African continent.