Dr Fabrice Kapya's recent achievement of his PhD is a testament to his hard work and dedication. We're incredibly proud of him and his contributions to our department. Please enjoy his personal reflection on this journey, where he shares his inspiring insights. Thank you, Dr Kapya, for your vulnerability and openness.
Kapya Fabrice.
Le bruit de mon âme.
A bit of context.
For those who know me, they know I’ve faced some serious battles to get where I am today. Life is full of challenges, and everyone goes through their own struggles to reach their goals. A few years ago, I was working as a car park attendant at Wonderpark Mall in Pretoria. But despite the repetitive nature of my work, I discovered an unexpected source of comfort: books. Whenever I had a free moment, I devoted it to reading, expanding my knowledge, and envisioning a life beyond the confines of the parking lot. My former colleagues would often catch me reading. They'd say with a mix of playfulness and sincerity, "Fabrice, you don't belong here, you should go back to school". At first, I brushed it off as harmless teasing, but their words stuck with me. Sometimes, the people we surround ourselves with see our potential before we even recognize it in ourselves. As they continued to insist, a thought began to take root in my mind, why not go back to school? I ask myself, why not study part-time, even though my job at the parking lot barely paid enough to get by?
Life can get incredibly hard, and there are times when you feel completely out of place, like you’re lost in the chaos, unsure of where to go next. You might think you have all the time in the world, only to blink and realise that time has slipped through your fingers. You can’t afford to waste it. You have to grab hold of every opportunity, embrace the uncertainty, and sometimes just close your eyes and walk by faith, trusting that your efforts will lead you to where you’re meant to be. I think that’s what courage is all about. It’s tricky, right? Certain situations often push people to make difficult decisions. The constant struggle can lead to a sense of hopelessness, where the path forward seems clouded, and the immediate need for survival overshadows long-term dreams. That is why it is so important to have people who want the best for us, people that are willing to put us on the right path. Accepting this idea was like lighting a fuse, one small spark that set off a chain of events leading me to where I am today. My decision to return to school transformed my life in ways I never would have imagined. I've come to understand that for some, success hinges on a family's name that paves the way while for the rest of us, it's about creating a name for ourselves, built on hard work and education. From that day, I realised that I needed an arsenal of knowledge to ensure that when people hear my name, they associate it with something of value. This journey from the parking lot to UP Engineering Building 3-22 was not merely about earning degrees; it was about demonstrating that anything is possible if we put in the work and persevere.
My journey was far from easy. The decision to pursue an education while working long hours as a car park attendant brought with it a host of personal struggles.
- Financially, my situation was precarious and every rand I earned was carefully calculated, with most of it going towards basic necessities like rent, food, and transportation. The idea of saving for tuition seemed almost impossible, but I knew that education was my way out, so I sacrificed whatever I could. There were days when I had to skip meals to make sure I had enough money saved for my monthly school deposit.
- Emotionally, it was a constant battle. The exhaustion from working long hours, combined with the demands of my studies, often left me feeling drained and isolated. I had to keep reminding myself why I was doing this, and why I was pushing myself to the limit. There were times when doubt crept in when I questioned whether I had the strength to continue. The path ahead was steep, and the weight of my responsibilities felt overwhelming. There were moments when I felt like I was at war with my own mind, battling not just with fatigue but with deep-seated doubts and fears. Every morning before leaving the house, I had to remind myself that it would get better with time, that each day was an opportunity to conquer, to fight for a better future. I learned to keep a strong face, to go to war with my depression, and to cling to my faith even when it felt like a thin thread. In those dark moments, I would look up at the sky, thankful for another day, even as I struggled to find the strength to move forward. God never gave me anything I couldn't overtake. The pain I endured wasn’t just suffering, it was a crucible that made me stronger. It taught me to appreciate the sun after the rain, to see the beauty in the struggle and the strength in my perseverance. Life, I realised, is not about winning every battle, but about having the courage to carry on after a loss, to embrace the pain as part of the journey towards something greater;
- Beyond the emotional toll, there was the challenge of balancing work and study. I would come home late at night, exhausted from standing all day, only to face a pile of assignments and textbooks. There was no room for rest; every hour counted. Time became my biggest concern. There simply weren’t enough hours to work, study, and still find time for rest, a balance I referred to as the 'Triangle of Resilience;
- Adding to these challenges, was the fact that I was pursuing a degree in a field I initially knew nothing about. The academic content was often foreign and daunting, requiring me to spend countless hours on self-learning just to keep up. I had to teach myself some of the undergraduate modules that were foundational to my program, which only added to the already immense pressure. It felt like I was doing double shifts, like I was double majoring. Have you ever felt like you’re fighting against time? Well, I did. Time became my enemy. I even reached a point where I wished we could just all be in a sci-fi movie in which one could borrow time from some entity just to get everything done.
- Another systemic barrier was the societal expectations and stereotypes that I had to confront, something that we all go through unfortunately. As someone who started his journey as a car park attendant, I often faced self-doubt about my abilities and ambitions.
The challenges were tough, but I persisted, thanks in large part to the amazing people around me. The University of Pretoria, my professors, the community and my classmates all provided incredible support that really kept me going. The community around Wonderpark embraced me and encouraged me when I needed it most. The university, in particular, made me feel like I was part of something much larger. The academic staff were not just educators but mentors who guided me through the challenges of my studies. They were patient, understanding, and always ready to help me navigate the complexities of my program. My classmates, oh Lord I can’t even find the correct words to describe them. They played an essential role in my journey. They included me in study groups, shared notes, covered my transport, paid my rent, and treated me as an equal, despite the differences in our backgrounds. I could really feel the true meaning of living the UP way. This sense of belonging was crucial. It gave me the strength to push through the darkest moments and the courage to continue even when the path seemed impossible. My perception of UP changed from being just a place of learning for me; it became a sanctuary, a place where I could grow, learn, and become the person I aspired to be. What started as a personal goal quickly became a community, a Pretoria, a university’s goal, and what were my obstacles quickly became the fuel that kept me moving forward, knowing that every step I took was bringing me closer to my dreams.
In June 2020, I completed my Honours degree, an achievement that marked a significant milestone in my academic journey, with the support of the University, the community, in fact, the whole of Pretoria. Following this, I was admitted into a Master’s program in 2021, a transition that came with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The way I found my Master’s topic was rather unconventional, I should say. Part of the inspiration came from within the walls of Tuks during a block week for the module called Manufacturing Planning and Control Systems (BPZ782), when Prof. Femi invited Dr Sebatjane, one of his former PhD students, to give a presentation on how he developed his research topic. The other part of the inspiration came from my time working in the parking lot of Wonderpark Mall. While I was working there, I frequently observed trucks from various logistics companies delivering a wide range of products. These trucks followed strict schedules, ensuring that goods reached their destinations on time. However, when COVID-19 struck, I noticed a significant shift in consumer behaviour and the way certain products were being consumed. This shift got me thinking about the processes involved in the production of finished goods, processes that typically demand time, resources, and machinery.
A question began to take shape in my mind: how could large organisations or any production company meet demand if, for example, a critical machine were to break down? Many production plants operate in what is known as “A- plant configuration”, where all sub-products must be assembled in a final section that is often limited by the number of machines available, and in a make-to-order system, one only produces what is needed, when it is needed. In such a scenario, should the production system be halted to avoid damaging the machine and the quality of the products being manufactured? Some would say yes. Doing so could lead to a bullwhip effect, where disruptions in production ripple through the whole system, the supply chain, especially when the aggregate Planning strategy of the organisation is based on the chase demand approach. Alternatively, should production continue despite the state of the machine? This dilemma led me to start analysing different production systems. This dilemma is like having a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere. You can either drive slowly to the nearest petrol station and get it fixed or stay there until luck smiles at you. I began to consider that some breakdowns might not necessarily require the entire production system to be stopped, as is common in binary systems. Instead, I thought about the possibility of introducing a third option: reducing the speed at which a product is produced if the malfunction only minimally or partially affects the system’s efficiency. This approach would allow production to continue at a reduced pace, preventing further damage to the machine while still meeting demand, even if the production time is lengthened. This line of thinking sparked my interest in multi-state systems, systems that don’t just operate in binary modes of fully functional or completely broken down but can exist in intermediate states that still allow for partial functionality. My area of interest has since evolved to sit at the intersection of manufacturing, planning, and control systems. One of the key aspects I focus on is providing mathematical foundations for production systems.
Why mathematics? It’s a question that has a very practical answer: if we are to have systems that function effectively in our society, we need to understand them from a conceptual level, we need to understand them fundamentally, we need to be able to define their objective functions, variables, constraints that limit their performances, and trade-offs so that we can make informed decisions. This was the beginning of my deep interest in the application of mathematics within the field of engineering. Since then, I have dedicated myself to developing equations and complex mathematical models that solve problems across various areas, including manufacturing, inventory control and supply chain.
When I started my Master’s program in February 2021, I was fortunate to find mentors who played a critical role in guiding me through my studies. Prof. Femi and Prof Yadavalli were not just sources of knowledge but also pillars of support. They offered guidance on research, provided valuable feedback, and extended encouragement when I faced challenges. Their belief in my abilities and their investment in my education were instrumental in helping me navigate the demanding landscape of higher education. They played a crucial role in shaping my academic journey. From the very beginning, they were with me every step of the way, guiding me through the complexities of my research. They helped me understand my research topic, as we aimed to extend the basic Economic Production Quantity (EPQ) model to introduce a new concept that I had envisioned. However, we quickly realised that without a solid foundation in calculus, inventory control, operations research, and convex optimisation, it would be challenging to make any significant progress. While I’ve always had a deep appreciation for mathematics, I discovered that some systems are incredibly difficult to express in a mathematical form and solving such problems requires not just mathematical knowledge, but also a strong grasp of programming and convex optimisation techniques. So, my supervisors suggested that I start by understanding how the basic Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and EPQ models were derived. By starting with these foundational concepts, I was able to combine my knowledge of calculus with the practical applicability of convex optimisation in inventory control. Their guidance set me on the right path and provided me with the tools I needed. This was my "Ah-ha" moment. It was then that I understood the importance of pursuing this line of research with even greater rigour and determination. The combination of guidance from my supervisors and the application of advanced mathematical techniques made it clear that I needed to commit fully to this path.
What I truly love about my research area is the freedom it allows for creativity. In our field, we aim to optimise systems and processes by adopting analytical approaches to solve complex problems, problems that people may understand but no one has managed to solve yet. Therefore, our only chance often lies in finding new ways that no one has thought of before, and that’s where the real excitement begins. My first eight months in the Master’s program were entirely dedicated to my research. I focused on developing a multi-state production model for deteriorating products and partial shortages. The remaining three months of the program were devoted to writing my dissertation, a task that demanded clarity of thought and precision in articulating my findings. I submitted my dissertation 11 months after starting the program. Shortly after my submission, my supervisor reached out to me for a discussion about what I would call my PhD topic. During this conversation, we explored the opportunity to continue with a PhD and if I had any ideas in mind. As fate would have it, the very same day, I was asked to present my ideas, a sort of mini-defense of my proposal. Although I wasn’t fully prepared for what felt like an impromptu presentation, but I was already passionate about the subject matter, which made it easier to articulate my ideas. Following my presentation, I was asked to formalise my proposal into a document and submit a formal application for the PhD program. Few days later, I received the notification that I had been admitted into the PhD program in industrial engineering. This transition from completing my Master's to embarking on a PhD felt like a natural progression, a continuation of my journey to push the boundaries of what could be achieved through research and innovation.
This journey, which started with just a simple observation in a parking lot, has grown into a passion for using mathematics to improve the efficiency of flexible production systems. There is beauty in observing how systems and processes work. In April, when I started my PhD, the first thing I did was to review the Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) website to understand the program's requirements, which included writing two research papers. My first year in the program was quite challenging because a PhD definitely requires a high level of study. Research is difficult, and I struggled a lot. I believe the reason I encountered so many challenges was due to my misconception that I knew exactly what I was doing until my supervisors reminded me that “a good research is supposed to tell me something I don’t really know”. Confusing, right? Well, the wisdom here lies in the fact that research isn’t just about reaffirming what’s already known; it’s about pushing boundaries, uncovering new insights, and expanding the field's understanding. Research aims to understand a system fundamentally; it aims to contribute new knowledge, foster innovation, and solve problems that have not yet been addressed. If we already have all the answers, then there’s no need to do research” they said. They also reminded me that in school, we’re given problems we can solve, even though we don’t always know how those problems were formulated or on what assumptions they’re based. But at postgraduate level, we create problems and try to find explanations that nobody has thought of before. In other words, when we do research, we try to dig deeper, to investigate how the world really works from a scientific point of view. To be quite honest, I went through all four stages of grief that we all know: denial, anger, bargaining and depression before finally accepting that whatever knowledge I acquired during my Master’s program, it was simply just not enough. I went through all of them, and although it was excruciatingly painful, it was also necessary for my growth. A PhD is not something one should do alone; it requires a whole community to support the person. Without an environment where ideas are discussed with peers, where people are supported mentally, physically and psychologically, it would be very hard to make it through the program. My institution, the University of Pretoria provided me with the support I needed to progress. Being stuck while doing a PhD is a normal standard for a researcher, and if you’re not stuck, it simply means that you’re probably not working on a hard enough problem. There is beauty in the way things sometimes fit together in unexpected ways. There are moments where you put things together, and you realise: "Oh, this is how the story has to go." There are a lot of moments like that in a PhD program, and they are actually good moments.
In 2022, I attended a conference where I presented a paper on a model for perishable products with a shifting production rate, stock-dependent demand rate, imperfect quality in a two-echelon supply chain. After this conference, I divided my time into three parts: four hours per day were dedicated to my work in the departmental since I was an assistant lecturer, five hours were reserved for writing, or six when I was at my productive best, and four to five hours were dedicated to reading and taking notes. I started writing in November 2022 and stuck to a daily routine to ensure consistent progress. Everything seemed to be going according to plan until mid-December 2022 when I began experiencing severe pain in my lower abdomen, hip flexor muscles, and leg, which felt like it was burning from the inside. I had to stop everything and seek medical help. I visited various hospitals, and eventually ended up in the Free State because none of the hospitals I had gone to could explain the cause of my pain. In March, a doctor finally discovered that I had a chronic condition that required ongoing treatment, and I was able to resume my research in May. The challenge now was regaining my momentum after so many months without doing research. I've been living with this condition since December 2022, and to be honest, I had every reason to quit my studies. My condition may have affected my physical abilities, but I didn’t let it touch my heart, mind or soul. “Well, my brain was fully operational, and my hands are still working” I said to myself.
So, I resumed my research in June. From June to September, I developed two more mathematical models: one on "An integrated EPQ model for deteriorating products with declining production rate, increasing defects, demand dependent on both the stock and price, and the effects of Corporate Social Responsibility Activities (CSR)," and another on "a system with a shifting production rate for perishable products with freshness, price, and stock-dependent demand rate and price discounting." I had now developed three mathematical models that optimise three different production systems. With these three models, I titled my PhD thesis: Integration of Multi-State Systems in a Series of EPQ Models for Deteriorating Products. I returned to my routine, and by September, I realized that I would soon be on the job market, so I began looking for a postdoc program. During this time, the department had advertised a position that I wasn't aware of. I had to submit my application on the last day. In November, I secured my contract. This left me with only December to compile my thesis and submit my draft by January at the latest, knowing that I would have to teach my module in the first semester of 2024, a module that also required hours, days, and months of preparation.
I eventually submitted my first draft in February 2024. I received detailed feedback from my supervisors a few weeks later. I diligently revised the thesis, completing the revisions by the end of February, and sent it back for further review. I then received feedback on minor adjustments that were needed. The last two weeks of March were dedicated to these final revisions and polishing my thesis. I submitted the final document in the second week of April, and by June, I received my results. If someone were to ask me whether I could have anticipated that my thesis would be considered one of the best research works in Industrial Engineering, I would say no. If someone had asked whether I could foresee completing this journey in two years, I would have said no. The only reason I was able to achieve such an accomplishment is due to the support system that this university has put in place, the support from my colleagues (Thabang, Anthea, Kulani, Brian, Bonolo, etc.), my friends (Mpho, Joe, Paul, Ruddy, Kgaugelo, Gervais, Thabiso, Bongiwe, etc.) my lecturers (Prof. Yadavalli, Prof. Femi, Prof. Bean, Prof. Ayomoh, Prof. de Vries, etc.), my family back home and the generosity and encouragement of people around Pretoria. My department is filled with individuals who are always ready to help, who make you believe that you are not alone in your journey, and who are willing to set aside their own work to support you. No matter what research questions or even a small question that I had, I could always find a faculty member who was working on it or who could help me see my research problems from another perspective. That is why I think this department prides itself on being not only a department but a really nice community for everyone.
Throughout my journey, the skills and knowledge I acquired have been both diverse and transformative. My early days taught me the value of discipline, perseverance, humility, and hard work. I developed a keen sense of observation and learned how to analyse systems and processes, which later proved invaluable in my academic pursuits. As I transitioned into the academic world, I gained technical skills in advanced mathematics, operations research, planning and control systems and operation management. The process of developing complex mathematical models not only deepened my technical expertise but also enhanced my ability to think critically and creatively. Through my PhD journey, I deepened my expertise in multi-state systems and their applications in manufacturing and control systems. Alongside this technical growth, I learned the profound importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Success does not define a person, but losing does. How we react to failure reveals who we truly are, because life is not about winning, it's about having the courage to continue the journey after a setback. For me, pursuing this degree was never about the title or the accolades; it was about the impact I could make in the community and society at large. True success, in my eyes, is not measured by degrees or titles but by the positive change we bring to the world around us and that is exactly what this university and its people did for me.
My sense of identity has undergone a profound evolution. Starting as a car park attendant, I was someone who simply needed to make ends meet. But even then, there was a spark, a desire to do more, to learn more, and to grow. The transition was not meant to be easy because things that matter are always hard to get. I began to see myself not just as someone who worked a job, but as someone with the potential to contribute to something greater. Becoming a lecturer and a PhD marked a significant shift in how I see myself. I was no longer just a student or an employee; I became a mentor, a researcher, and an innovator. My identity evolved from one of survival to one of purpose and contribution. The lecture halls are now a place where I could inspire others. The impact I’ve had on students, the field of study, and the community is something I hold dear. As a lecturer, I strive to be more than just an instructor, I aim to be a mentor, helping my students navigate their academic journeys and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Watching my students grow, succeed, and apply the knowledge they’ve gained in real-world settings is incredibly rewarding. In my field of study, my contributions lie in the development of innovative mathematical models that optimise production systems. These models have the potential to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance decision-making processes in manufacturing and logistics. By addressing the challenges posed by deteriorating products and complex production environments, our research offers practical solutions that can be applied in various industries.
Looking ahead, my goals are centred on continuing to grow as a researcher, educator, and contributor to society. I plan to further my research, exploring new areas within industrial engineering. I aim to publish more papers, present at international conferences, and collaborate with other researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge in my field. In terms of teaching, I aspire to develop new courses that integrate the latest research findings and industry trends, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in their careers. I also hope to expand my mentorship, guiding more students through their academic and professional journeys. Beyond academia, I am committed to giving back to this community that has supported me. This year, we decided to start a program aimed at assisting final-year UP EBIT students who face financial difficulties with registration. Whether through this initiative, outreach programs, public lectures, or collaborative projects, our aim is to use our skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on society. My path from a car park attendant to a lecturer and PhD in Engineering demonstrates the transformative power of education, perseverance, and community support.
For those who might find themselves in a similar starting position, perhaps feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the future, I want to emphasise the importance of discipline, resilience and the power of education. It doesn’t matter where you start; what matters is your determination to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. Believe in your ability to overcome obstacles, seek out mentors and communities that support your growth. Do not fear failure, it’s a part of life, and we all fail, sometimes even more than we’d imagine. Life isn’t always fair, but how you respond to failure defines who you want to be. Find someone who can help guide you through life’s challenges, and no matter how tough it gets, don’t give up. Education is a powerful tool that can change your life, just as it has changed mine. Keep striving, and let every challenge strengthen your resolve to succeed.
As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with immense gratitude. I am thankful for the opportunities that came my way, the mentors and supervisors (Prof. Femi and Prof. Yadavalli) who guided me, and the supportive community that stood by me in times of need. I owe to the people who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, I owe this country so much, I can never thank its people enough for what they have done for me. Every step of the way, I have been surrounded by individuals who have inspired and uplifted me, and I am deeply grateful for their presence in my life. As I close this chapter and look ahead to the future, I want to leave a message for anyone reading this because everything changed for me when I understood it: learn to work harder on yourself and set your goals so high that even failure falls short of reaching them. The truth is, if you work harder on yourself, you can create a life beyond your current circumstances. You can have more than what you have because you can become more than you are. No matter where you start or what challenges you face, know that you have the strength within you to overcome them. The key is not just to work hard, but to invest in your own growth and development. Pursue your dreams with courage and determination, and remember that every setback is an opportunity to grow. I am a product of an opportunity, an opportunity that came not just because I showed up, but because I chose to make the most of it. Life is not about merely surviving; we are meant to live fully, seize the chances that come your way, and shape your destiny with purpose and intent. Your journey may be difficult, but it is also uniquely yours; embrace it fully. I hope this story serves as a reminder that with perseverance, self-improvement, support, and the power of education, you can achieve more than you ever imagined. Keep pushing forward, and never let go of the belief that you can make a difference. Remember, the key to a fulfilled life is not just in what you achieve, but in who you become along the way.
Thank you all,
Fabrice
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