Queen Thandekile Jane MaNdlovu Zulu, the fourth wife of the late Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, affectionately known as Queen Thandi, earned a different title today.
Her Royal Highness was conferred with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s spring graduation ceremony on 18 September.
The 75-year-old was awarded a doctorate for her research dissertation pertaining to the stevia plant. The stevia plant serves as a natural sweetener and may replace sugar when cooking.
Queen Thandi researches the stevia plant
Her research, titled: Developing a Framework for the Growing and Commercialisation of Stevia in Kenya, was inspired by observing patients suffer from serious cases of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Queen Thandi is a nurse by profession and has served in the field for 19 years.
Having lost family members to DM, she was fascinated to discover that stevia could help diabetes sufferers control their medical condition.
Upon investigation, she realised that it was not viable to grow stevia for commercial purposes in South Africa.
She discovered Kenya was a more viable option to explore for the commercialisation of stevia due to its climate.
Queen Thandi embarked on a qualitative study by gathering data from established stevia farmers in Kenya.
A key finding of the study revealed a need for financial support among the farmers. And, the need to make their stevia product marketable.
Research findings suggest the need for interventions to strengthen the stevia supply chain. This, in turn, would likely support economic progress and improve food security.
“The model used in Kenya was inclusive of communities. They incorporate the value chain that integrates smallholder farmers. Lessons learnt from the study in Kenya will enable KZN to benefit from the framework when tailored to KZN’s circumstances,” said Queen Thandi.
She encouraged public leaders to pursue postgraduate studies to become critical thinkers, foster innovation, and achieve evidence-based policymaking.
Professor Ernest Khalema, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the UKZN College of Law and Management Studies, extended his congratulations to the queen.
“Our congratulations to the Queen for obtaining the highest academic qualification in the College. May this continue to enrich your leadership in empowering others. You have inspired the nation,” said Professor Khalema.
