Dr Madia celebrates doctorate and professional recognition

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Public Sector Finance lecturer, Dr Mogowe Madia has reached a significant academic and professional milestone, earning his doctorate during University’s Spring 2026 graduation season while also receiving professional recognition from the Chartered Institute of Government Finance, Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO) as a Public Sector Practitioner.

Dr Mogowe Madia His doctoral research, titled Green Financial Investment in South African Banks: Sustainable Environmental Initiatives, explores the role South African banks can play in advancing green finance and supporting the transition towards a more sustainable economy.

Growing up in Lenyenye Township, surrounded by educated individuals and seeing the positive impact their knowledge had on the community, Dr Madia developed a desire to pursue a doctorate from an early age. Among his greatest inspirations was Dr Mamphela Ramphele, whose commitment to community development and education left a lasting impression on him.

“Dr Mamphela Ramphele was the single greatest inspiration behind my pursuit of a doctorate. As a young boy growing up in Lenyenye Township, I had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering commitment to serving and uplifting the community. Through my early interactions with her family, I saw firsthand how education, leadership and compassion could transform lives. Her example left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to strive for academic excellence,” he said.

Dr Madia’s passion for sustainability inspired him to investigate how South African banks can use green finance to contribute to environmental protection and the development of a low-carbon economy. “South African banks must lead their clients in transitioning from traditional banking to green financial products and services to accelerate the green economy and protect the environment,” he said.

His research resulted in the development of a banking framework that highlights the potential role of public-private partnerships in funding infrastructure while aligning with the South African Green Taxonomy and National Development Plan. He hopes the research will contribute not only to the banking sector’s role in South Africa’s transition towards a low-carbon economy, but also to reshaping governance and accountability within financial institutions.

Dr Madia’s doctoral journey also opened opportunities for him to contribute to the wider academic community. One of the highlights was being selected as the face of the 7th International Conference on Accounting and Business (iCAB) in 2026. In the same year, he received a Certificate of Recognition for reviewing submissions to the 15th International African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA) Conference.

“A particularly memorable moment during my doctoral journey was being selected as the face of the 7th International Conference on Accounting and Business (iCAB) 2026. In the same year, I received a Certificate of Recognition for reviewing submissions to the 15th International African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA) Conference. The experience was both rewarding and affirming of my growing contribution to the academic community,” he said.

The road to completing his doctorate was not without challenges. Dr Madia had to adjust to the institutional culture of higher education while navigating language barriers, social isolation and the demands of balancing academic responsibilities with family life.

“Adapting to the institutional culture of higher education was demanding, as I experienced culture shock, language barriers and social isolation. As a husband and father, I frequently found myself navigating two distinct worlds, that of an intellectual researcher within the university and that of a family man,” he said.

Throughout the journey, he drew strength from the support of his supervisors, Professor Nebbel Motubatse and Professor Tankiso Moloi, as well as his family, the Faculty of Economics and Finance and the University Capacity Development Grant.

“I am deeply grateful for my mother’s unwavering prayers and her wish to see me earn a doctorate. I also appreciate the constant prayers and support of my church throughout my academic journey. I sincerely acknowledge the steadfast support of my wives, Gavaza and Mahlasoa, and my children during the long hours devoted to my studies,” Dr Madia said.

His doctoral achievement, together with his professional recognition, reflects a journey shaped by perseverance, family support and a commitment to using research to contribute to a more sustainable financial future for South Africa.