Born in Tshilwavhusiku and raised in Ha-Rathidili, Limpopo, Moses Makhadi has accomplished a noteworthy milestone by becoming the first person in his family to earn a university degree.
His journey was far from simple. At age 13, his family moved to Diepsloot Extension 7 in Johannesburg, a community challenged by poverty, crime, and restricted access to resources. Despite these hurdles, Moses remained deeply committed to his studies. He often walked nearly an hour on Saturdays to reach the local library and studied by candlelight when electricity was unavailable.
“Growing up in Diepsloot taught me resilience and determination. Even when resources were limited, I believed that education could change my life and the lives of those around me,” Makhadi said.
In 2020, Moses started his post school academic journey at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). He completed his Diploma in Analytical Chemistry in record time before continuing his studies. On March 23, 2026, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry.
His innovation extends beyond the classroom. Motivated by his mother’s struggle with eczema, Moses developed a cold-pressed avocado oil infused with moringa, which has greatly improved her skin. From here, he has plans to expand into cosmetic and food-grade oils.
During his time at UJ, Moses was a vibrant member of the campus community. His extracurricular involvements included martial arts, poetry, acting, and art. He was also a member of the SRC, engaged in community engagement, and was selected as a class representative from his Diploma class up until his Honours class. These leadership roles strengthened his sense of responsibility and resilience, making him a role model for both his peers and younger learners.
Moses is now pursuing a fully funded Master of Science in Nanoscience at a different institution. His story highlights the journey of a UJ graduate who didn’t allow his socioeconomic challenges to overcome him. His dedication to academic excellence, community involvement, and innovation exemplifies the power that higher education can have in empowering individuals to drive change in their families and communities.
“With plans to expand into cosmetic and food-grade oils and bioplastics reinforced with nanomaterials, inspired to continue by my lecturer, Dr. Mmutlane I am now pursuing a fully funded MSc in Nanoscience. I am driven to create sustainable solutions, inspire others, and leave a lasting positive impact on communities,” he said.
