One may expect twin sisters to be “peas in a pod‘’. But more than that the August sisters (39) who share a passion for education are now both PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) graduates.
Dr Chantelle August-Mowers whose studies focussed on language acquisition and multilingualism received her doctoral degree at UWC’s Summer graduation in December last year.
At UWC’s Spring graduation on Friday 20 September, Dr Samantha August-Hoffman, whose research focussed on education studies and quality basic education, joined her sister as a fellow doctorate.
The twins hosted a teacher recognition ceremony at Kuils River Tennis Club on Friday evening to honour those who helped them succeed on their educational journey.
Chantelle said they want to dedicate their PhDs to their teachers.
“Their dedication, encouragement, and passion provided us with quality education despite the challenges of an unequal society.
“They never allowed our backgrounds to limit our potential. Their unwavering belief in us was a driving force behind our success.”
The sisters, now neighbours in Kuils River, grew up in Eerste River where they attended Forest Heights Primary School and Malibu High School.
“Our academic journey began in 2009, seven years after we matriculated. We started as undergraduate education students with little knowledge of the university process, no financial means, and only the hope of seizing a life-changing opportunity,” Chantelle said.
Their path crossed with two “destiny helpers” at UWC who passed since Barnard Ernest and Suhayma Towfies.
Ernest helped them on their very first day at the university. “He saw we were lost and did not know anything about the registration processes.” Chantelle said he went over and above to assist. “His support continued throughout our studies, making each year’s registration a stress-free process.”
Towfie was the Education Faculty Officer at UWC, who assisted when they were stressed about finances.
After going from one point to another to conclude a bursary application they arrived at the Education Faculty with the gates closed.
“Mrs Towfie came out and asked: ‘What is the problem?’” After they explained their predicament, she answered: “My heart tells me you two are born teachers. Please go to class on Monday and I will sort out the rest,” Chantelle recalled.
“She only had one condition: we had to work hard and never make her regret her decision.”
The twins promised they would – and they delivered.
“We became Funza Lushaka Bursary holders and made the Dean’s Merit List every year.”
In 2010, their hard work and academic achievements granted them membership to the Golden Key International Honour Society, which recognises the academic excellence of university students worldwide.
Mentor
The twins recognised Prof Rouaan Maarman, lecturer, mentor, and supervisor as pivotal in their academic journey.
“He became part of our academic life from our first year in the undergraduate program. His no-nonsense approach and attention to detail pushed us to grow and develop from the start,” Chantelle said.
“He challenged us to focus on practical solutions, rather than dwelling on negatives and encouraged the researcher in us from early on.”
Maarman motivated both to pursue an honours and then a master’s degree. “Prof Maarman’s mentoring laid a solid foundation for our PhD studies.”
“Being accepted into the PhD program was a huge step in our academic and personal journey. Having Prof Maarman as my supervisor was both an honour and a privilege as it is rare that a student starts with a lecturer in undergraduate studies until a completed PhD,” said Samantha.
“He consistently reminded us of the importance of making an original contribution to our research, and ensured we adhered to timelines and due dates.”
The twins started their teaching careers at Yellowwood Primary School and both moved to Gordon High School.
“We are now working together as lecturers at Two Oceans Graduate Institute where we train teachers,” Chantelle said.
