Homeless to Doctorate: UKZN graduate Declek Magubane's triumph over adversity
Pietermaritzburg man’s inspiring journey of faith and resilience.
Image: UKZN
For many, a doctoral gown symbolises years of study and sacrifice. For 31-year-old Declek Khwazi Magubane, who was once homeless on the streets of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal it represents far more, a story of survival, faith and the power of education to transform a life.
Magubane, who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), has travelled a road that few could imagine.
Born in KwaMpumuza and raised in Hanniville in the Mgungundlovu District, his early childhood was marked by profound loss. After the passing of his legal guardians, he moved between orphanages before ending up on the streets of Pietermaritzburg's CBD.
December 2007, however, became a turning point in his life.
"I was born again and welcomed into the spiritual family of Zoleka Ngcobo and Bee Ngcobo, who remain my loving parents to this day. After giving my life to Christ, I went back to school (starting again from Grade 8) and never looked back. Since then, my life has been marked by resilience, purpose, and passion," he said.
Despite the hardships, Magubane pursued education with unwavering determination. But the path to his PhD was not without struggles.
"I was faced with personal challenges that affected my mental health," he said. "But the most difficult challenge was simply identifying what I wanted to research and more importantly, whether it was researchable. That head start was not easy, but thankfully I had two incredibly supportive and patient supervisors: Professor Phocenah Nyantanga and Dr Ntokozo Nzimande, who provided me with guidance."
His thesis, Cross-Country Macroprudential Coordination and Financial Stability in Advanced and Systemic Middle-Income Economies, examined global financial systems and the delicate balance between co-ordination and independence in economic policy. His research considered both advanced economies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, as well as emerging markets including South Africa.
Magubane's work underscored the importance of collaboration in global financial regulation while recognising the need for nations to maintain independence. But for him, the bigger victory lies in proving what resilience, faith and opportunity can achieve.
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