Dr Retha Smit has just collected her PhD in psychiatry from Stellenbosch University, and she’ll tell you straight that age had nothing to do with it!
Stellenbosch, South Africa (01 April 2026) – Stellenbosch University (SU) has shared an inspiring story that proves you’re never too old to learn. Last week, Dr. Retha Smit, at 67-years-young, donned the cap and gown as she received her PhD in psychiatry.
“Age was never a factor for me. Instead, I remain deeply grateful for the health and strength that allowed me to complete the journey I began in 2012,” she says as per SU.
Smit has worked in psychiatric research at Stellenbosch for nearly three decades, starting out in 1996 as a study coordinator for clinical trials in psychiatry, after gaining her diploma in general nursing and obstetrics. Psychiatry was a field she had no formal training in at the time but she learned on the job, and rose to become principal study coordinator of a busy psychiatric clinical trials unit, while keeping her bigger goal in sight the whole time.
Her love of learning came from her parents who instilled in her a deep appreciation for knowledge from an early age. It’s a belief she carried with her through the years of raising four children alone, working full-time, and at times holding down a second job to make ends meet.
“During those years, there was little opportunity for me to pursue further studies. However, I always carried the intention of continuing my education when the time was right.”
That time came in 2012, when her youngest child went to university and she seized the moment. Years later at 60, she completed her honours degree in psychology cum laude through UNISA. Then came a master’s in research psychology at Stellenbosch.
Her PhD, awarded at the university’s March 2026 graduation ceremony, marks another inspiring milestone!
As per SU, Smit’s PhD research focused on relapse in schizophrenia. Specifically, the factors beyond medication non-adherence that cause patients to deteriorate. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population around the world yet ranks among the top ten causes of disability worldwide. Her research shows that sustainable improvement requires addressing biological, psychosocial, and structural factors together. In 2024, following training in Denmark, she conducted South Africa’s first virtual reality-based study on schizophrenia, using AVATAR therapy, a therapeutic approach that addresses persistent auditory hallucinations, or hearing voices that aren’t there.
Outside of her academic world, Smit keeps her creative muscles exercised by playing acoustic guitar, making music with friends, and has taught herself crochet and lace-making.
Looking ahead, her plans academically are to publishing her findings, co-supervise master’s students, and contribute to ongoing clinical trials.
Her advice to anyone thinking about going back to study is to keep focused on the goal. If your physical and mental health allow for it, then why not?
“It is never too late to reach your goal. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy good physical and mental health, the most important step is to set your mind on a goal. Consider the challenges you may face in achieving that goal and plan actively to overcome them.” she says.
“This achievement shows that with perseverance, a positive mindset, and self-belief, you can achieve what you set out to accomplish.”
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