When most people think of a 90-year-old, they picture retirement, rest, and reflection. But for Mr Caspar Greeff, the picture looks very different, as it is one filled with determination, discipline, and a laptop.
At an age when most are slowing down, Mr Greeff is speeding up intellectually. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), becoming a symbol of perseverance and a powerful advocate for lifelong learning.
“I believe that everyone should continue learning, no matter how old they are,” says Mr Greeff. “Learning should continue throughout life.”
This remarkable achievement didn’t come easily. When Mr Greeff first sat for his actuarial exams in the 1960s, he used logarithms and a slide rule, long before the advent of laptops. Six decades later, the biggest hurdle in his UJ journey was mastering modern technology.
“I had to get used to using a laptop consistently,” he says with a chuckle. With the support of his lecturers and his daughter Michele, who helped him navigate Word and Excel, Mr Greeff gradually became comfortable submitting assignments and completing exams online.
UJ’s online BCom Accountancy programme, launched in 2018, aims to broaden access to quality education. It was designed to reach students wherever they are, regardless of age, location, or background. Mr Greeff is living proof that this approach works.
“Mr Greeff’s story is a powerful testament to that vision,” says Professor Marelize Malan, Deputy Head of the Department of Accounting, UJ. “It reinforces the value of lifelong learning and the importance of creating inclusive academic opportunities for everyone.”
Mr Greeff’s journey back to university was sparked by a desire to keep his mind sharp after retiring as an actuary at the age of 85. His academic track record is impressive, with a BSc in Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, an Honours in Operations Research, and a qualification from the Faculty of Actuaries in the UK.
Far from living a sedentary life, he also maintains an active lifestyle. He began road running in 1969 and continues to participate in 5km park runs. He hits the gym regularly, proving that his disciplined approach to life extends beyond books.
“We slow down with age, but experience helps counter that. I’m convinced there are many people as old as me, or older, who can still study and earn degrees,” he says. “My goal is to keep learning, especially in philosophy, even if I don’t write exams again.”
His advice to young people is to build good habits early. “Get into the habit of doing things regularly. Like sportspeople, you must train your mind and body. Discipline is the foundation of success.”
Prof Malan concludes that Mr Greeff’s story is more than inspirational. “It reminds us that access to education should be a right, not a privilege limited by age or circumstance. His journey embodies UJ’s mission to remove barriers to education and champion lifelong learning for all. In a world shaped by artificial intelligence and constant change, Mr Greeff has embraced the digital age not just with curiosity, but with courage. And in doing so, he has become a symbol of resilience, possibility, and the enduring power of education with the Department of Accountancy.”
