This morning, 3 September 2025, Crymore Penzura graduated with a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Pretoria, marking the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, determination, and the support of family and mentors. His thesis, Personal Name and Immortality among Shona People: An African Philosophical Inquiry, explores profound questions of identity and legacy in African thought.

Born in 1986 in Tengwe, Zimbabwe, Crymore was raised by his grandparents and later by his mother. His early schooling in rural areas was challenging, and he failed his Ordinary Level examinations in 2003. Undeterred, he repeated and completed his Advanced Level in 2007, refusing to let setbacks define his future.

After school, economic hardship led him to Botswana, where he worked as a gardener and took ad hoc construction jobs—none of which were sustainable. In 2009, he moved to South Africa, working in retail and later as a long-distance truck driver. Even amid these challenges, the dream of becoming a philosopher remained alive.

The truck became both workplace and classroom. Between 2011 and 2021, Crymore studied part-time through UNISA, earning a BA, BA Honours, and MA in Philosophy. “Hardship is a painful experience, but a necessary teacher,” he reflects. The discipline and perseverance required to study while working long hours became a defining feature of his journey.

A strong support structure was central to his success. His mother, two wives—Isabel Kondo and Mazvita Charleen Chinamora—and eight children—Clergy, Cleric, Clyde, Clerisy, Creed, Creedal, Classic, and Champ—were sources of unwavering encouragement. Academic mentorship was equally crucial. His supervisor, Professor Jonathan Okeke Chimakonam, provided rigorous guidance and financial support, ensuring Crymore could remain enrolled and complete his research. “He turned on the lights in darkness,” Crymore says.

Crymore thanks his wives, his mother, and Professor Okeke for being his backbone through this audacious journey. Their support, he says, made the difference between giving up and reaching the finish line.

His fascination with philosophy began in high school under the guidance of literature teacher Mr Mariga, who introduced him to French philosophers and Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savanna. That early spark endured through years of struggle, eventually culminating in a doctoral dissertation that bridges African philosophical thought and the enduring questions of identity, legacy, and immortality among the Shona people.

Now, as a husband, father, small business owner, and Doctor of Philosophy, Crymore celebrates not only his academic achievement but the journey that made it possible. He hopes his story inspires his children and others to value commitment in pursuit of their dreams. “Life is hard,” he says, “yet commitment to the dream is priceless. The words I spoke as a young boy have never left me—I wanted to be among the philosophers. The dream tarried, but indeed, it came to pass.”

Crymore Penzura’s graduation is a testament to perseverance, support, and the enduring power of a dream, proving that with determination and guidance, even the most challenging paths can lead to extraordinary success.