At 67, Dr Retha Smit is living proof that you’re never too old to learn. A lifelong learner, Smit received her PhD in psychiatry from Stellenbosch University (SU) on Thursday (26 March 2026) at SU’s March graduation. This achievement is the culmination of decades of dedication to research and learning.

Smit, who has worked in psychiatric research at SU for nearly three decades, says that when she enrolled as a first-year student in 2012, she had already set a clear goal: to obtain her PhD. “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. 

“Reaching this milestone has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. The opportunity to grow intellectually and engage with so many new ideas and concepts has been profoundly enriching. I feel both proud and thankful to have achieved this goal.

“This achievement shows that with perseverance, a positive mindset, and self-belief, you can achieve what you set out to accomplish.”

Smit’s supervisor Prof Laila Asmal from the Department of Psychiatry at SU echoes this sentiment when she describes her accomplishment as a wonderful testament to perseverance, lifelong learning, and the power of starting again.

Academic journey

Smit’s academic journey began long before her formal postgraduate studies. 

After obtaining a diploma in general nursing and obstetrics, she applied for a position as a study coordinator for clinical trials in psychiatry in 1996. Even though she had no formal training in psychiatry, Smit was determined to learn. Soon afterwards, she was appointed as the principal study coordinator (trial nurse) of a very busy psychiatric clinical trials unit at SU, a role she held until the end of 2023 when she retired. In the same year, Smit received an Early Career Research Award from the Schizophrenia International Research Society. 

What makes Smit’s achievement even more remarkable is that she completed her honours degree in psychology cum laude at the age of 60 through UNISA and later obtained her master’s degree in research psychology at SU. Reflecting on what motivated her to begin this academic journey later in life, Smit says:

“As a single parent, I raised four children while working full-time and, at times, holding a part-time job to make ends meet. It was very important for me to balance my professional responsibilities with meaningful time with my children. I remained actively involved in their educational journeys and supported their participation in sport. 

“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. My parents had instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of knowledge, and that belief remained a constant source of motivation. 

“At the same time, I had the privilege of working with highly qualified psychiatrists and statistically rigorous researchers whom I greatly admired, and learning from them further inspired my academic aspirations.” 

Smit says, in 2012, when her youngest child went to university, she finally had the opportunity to pursue her long-held goal of obtaining a PhD. 

Although she raised four children as a single mother while building her career, Smit made sure they always had every opportunity to enrich themselves academically and to excel in extracurricular activities such as sport. 

“I committed myself fully to supporting them both emotionally and financially. My children were raised to appreciate what they have in life, to make the most of their circumstances, and to understand that success requires personal effort rather than expecting society to carry them.”

PhD research

For her PhD study, Smit focused on relapse in schizophrenia and the role that factors other than non-adherence to treatment play. She points out that schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the global population and is therefore considered a low-prevalence disorder.

“However, its disease burden is substantial, and it ranks among the top ten causes of disability worldwide. It is a chronic illness characterised by high relapse rates, which can lead to severe psychosocial and biological consequences, including self-harm or harm to others, loss of employment opportunities, strained interpersonal relationships, increased suicide risk, excessive use of healthcare services, disease progression, and treatment refractoriness (when a medical condition does not respond to conventional treatment).”

Smit says her research shows that relapse in schizophrenia results from a combination of biological vulnerability, psychosocial support, and broader structural factors. “Interventions that neglect any of these levels are unlikely to yield sustainable improvements in relapse outcomes.” 

In 2024, she conducted the first virtual reality-based study on schizophrenia in South Africa following training in Denmark on AVATAR therapy for schizophrenia, a therapeutic approach that addresses persistent auditory hallucinations (hearing voices that aren’t there).

Not slowing down

As a lifelong learner, Smit doesn’t intend to slow down. With a PhD in the bag, she plans to publish articles about her findings, co-supervise master’s students, and contribute to a clinical trial on schizophrenia, as well as assessments for another study investigating treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Outside of her academic work, Smit enjoys creative pursuits. She plays acoustic guitar and often makes music with friends who share her love of 1970s and 1980s rock. She is also passionate about Irish crochet and lace-making, skills she taught herself by following online tutorials from experts in Eastern Europe. 

“By watching instructional videos and following highly creative Irish crochet masters from Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Poland, I taught myself how to design and create beautiful garments. Another hobby I enjoy is building miniature model houses. I created a detailed miniature model of the house where my children grew up, complete with the furniture and décor as we had it at the time.” 

Asked what advice she would give to others who are considering returning to university later in life, Smit says, “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. Use the talents you have been given and allow yourself the opportunity to embark on a fulfilling journey of personal growth and enrichment.”