North West University (NWU) Masters student, Dibona Peggy Matladi, remains steadfast in her fight to have her degree recognised after her dissertation, initially deemed a pass, was later marked as a fail. Matladi, a junior lecturer at the University of Limpopo, refuses to re-register her work and insists the university should honour her achievement.
Matladi’s Journey and Disappointment
Matladi enrolled for a Masters Degree in Mathematics at NWU in 2021. After completing her coursework, she focused on Topology, submitting her dissertation titled “On Expansive Homeomorphism of Uniform Spaces” in 2023. Two external examiners, one from Spain and another from Serbia, were assigned to assess her work.
According to Matladi, the first examiner gave her an 80% score, while the second examiner awarded 60% after suggesting revisions. Following these evaluations, Matladi says her supervisor, Professor Olivier Olela-Otafudu, congratulated her, stating her final score averaged 70%, a passing grade. However, the university later declared her work a fail.
The University’s Justification
NWU justified its decision by citing academic rules, explaining the 20% difference between the scores exceeded the permissible 15%. The university referred the matter to an arbiter, who recommended a third examiner. This examiner awarded Matladi below 50%, citing shortcomings and potential self-plagiarism.
Louis Jacobs, NWU spokesperson, explained that the faculty concluded the initial 98% score from the first examiner was “highly unrealistic,” while the second examiner believed Matladi only made superficial corrections. Based on these findings, the university determined that a significant revision or topic change was necessary for Matladi to continue.
Matladi’s Perspective and Protest
Matladi rejects the university’s findings, questioning their reliance on the third examiner’s score. She argues that combining all three marks would have provided a fairer outcome.
“Why assign a supervisor if his judgment is later doubted?” Matladi asked. “And why does one negative score override two passing evaluations?”
She remains determined to pursue justice and advocate for other students facing similar issues. “I need what is due to me,” Matladi said, vowing to escalate the matter to the highest levels.
Civic Support and Planned Action
Save South Africa Civic Movement has pledged its support, with spokesperson Tebogo Mashilompane confirming plans to engage NWU in January. The organisation also aims to address broader issues of alleged racism within the university.
What Lies Ahead
Matladi’s battle underscores the challenges students can face in academia, especially when institutional processes come under scrutiny. While NWU insists its decision aligns with its academic rules, Matladi’s determination highlights the need for transparency and fairness in higher education assessments.
