A legacy in caps and gowns: Jabulile Chakale’s triple triumph

For Jabulile Chakale, graduating is not a solo celebration; it is a family affair. Her first graduation cap and gown were dedicated to her parents. Chakale’s second graduation was dedicated to her husband. Obtaining her third qualification, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health at the University of Pretoria (UP) Spring graduation ceremony on 2 September 2025, her eyes will be locked on her three children, weaving them into a growing tapestry of triumph for the family.

Taking up fully online studies

For Chakale, a Medical Technologist by profession, the road to this third graduation, studying through UPOnline, was paved with discipline and determination. Embarking on fully online studies for the first time, Chakale’s life became a masterclass in balancing work, life, and studies.

“The biggest challenge was the time management aspect. I had to be disciplined and stick to the timelines I set for myself”, Jabulile recalls. “The other challenge I experienced was to balance my life as a student, a mother, a Laboratory Manager, and a pastor's wife. Juggling all these roles was very difficult, but the programme's structure kept me on my toes. There were weekly activities to submit, tests, and assignments to build upon.” 

With this qualification, Chakale has made history in her family. She is the first in her family to reach this academic height, and notably, the first to graduate three times, a milestone she carries with pride and humility. Her educational journey includes a National Diploma in Biomedical Technology from the University of Johannesburg and a BTech in Biomedical Technology from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Broadening knowledge of public health 

With her family as her support system, Chakale honoured her parents and grandparents, who laid the foundation for her journey with her first qualification. The second qualification celebrated her husband’s steadfast support. Chakale expresses that her qualification obtained at UP belongs to her children, “This one is dedicated to my three lovely children as a motivation in life, for them to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”

Beyond the personal milestones, the qualification has transformed Chakale’s approach to her work as a Laboratory Manager. It has profoundly impacted her professional lens, giving Chakale a new perspective on her role in the broader health system.

“This course has broadened my knowledge of public health. I was not aware of the role of the medical technologist in public health, and it gave me insight into how to improve how our laboratory system works”, she explained. “Holding a critical position as a manager has assisted me in ensuring our working environment and the quality of results we issue, positively impact the community.”

Chakale has the following advice for those who want to embark on further studies as working individuals: “Anything is achievable when you put your mind to it. Nothing is impossible.”