A brilliant man named Musa Mnzi has fought all odds to achieve exceptional academic feats despite facing the challenges of homelessness. He bagged two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s, and a doctorate in Geophysics at the University of Witswateran, South Africa.

Musa is a South African who went from being homeless to achieving excellent academic feats. His father died when he was 2 years old and was brought up by his single mother who worked as a house helper according to Salone.

Despite his challenges, Musa maintained his academic prowess, he graduated high school and matriculated into the University of Witwatersrand with a 100% grade in Mathematics at the age of 16.

However, Luck was not on his side as he lost his mother and sister to a tragic death leaving him with his two orphaned nieces to cater for. Musa stated that because there was no financial support, they lived on and off in his office and the university library for two years.

Musa said his newly found accommodation earned him a disciplinary notice from the university. Fortunately for him, he was invited for a meal by classmates whose parents decided to adopt him upon hearing his story.

Her parents, Ed and Rose Thomas, invited my nieces and me to stay with them, they became my parents and I’m forever grateful for their kindness, compassion, love, and support,” he said

With the support of the Thomas family, Musa obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Maths, Physics, and Computer Science and another Bachelor of Science degree in Geophysics.

He then proceeded to earn a Master of Science (MSc) in Geophysics all from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). After earning his master’s, Musa also went on to bag his PhD ) in Geophysics from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

He not only graduated from the university as a doctor of Geophysics, he also set a record as the first black South African ever to be bestowed the qualification. Two years later, he became an Associate Professor at the Wits School of GeoSciences and Director of the Seismic Research Centre.

Musa has received many awards both locally and globally. These include the Africa Award for Research Excellence in Earth and Ocean Science from the American Geophysical Union, as well as the Emerging Researcher Award at South Africa’s prestigious ‘Science Oscars ceremony, known as the NSTF-TW Kambule Award.

Musa is the founder of Dr Musa Manzi Foundation, an organization that aims to discover and explore young talent in disadvantaged areas and achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives through education, inspiration, and empowerment.