78 year old graduates with Masters in English
‘It is the best part to be the oldest graduate; you have a great start when you
are among the very young at heart!’
These words clearly encompass the bubbly personality of 78 year old Ms
Gillian Van der Heijden who graduated with her masters in English studies at
UKZN recently. Her thirst for knowledge too has seen her currently pursuing an
honours degree at the Centre for Communication, Media and Society
(CCMS).
Asked if her age was a hindering factor in her studies, she boisterously said,
‘The challenge was to beat the digital divide which is to overcome new
technology. But if our England’s Queen Elizabeth can still mount her horse,
and she does! Then obviously we old girls can do it if we try!’
Her research topic entitled Kendrew Lascelles: Selected Works a Biographical
Thematic and Stylistic Introduction highlights the argument that Africa is a real
and symbolic location and this according to Van der Heijden is evident in
Lascelles’s ‘struggle theatre’ plays that were presented in USA.
She even pointed out that Lascelles had left South Africa with a revue show
called Wait a Minim! 1960-1967 which she believed was an innovative master
piece of non-written anti-Apartheid theatrical ridicule, which depended
entirely on music, culture, song and dance.
‘This revue not only left South Africans smiling against the system, but also
made the International world aware of South Africa’s apartheid
predicament. This topic unearths much that concerns the human heart and
soul, people’s social circumstances and fight for liberation of thought, and life
and space.
‘And my research with Lascelles was conducted through email so it was a
tremendous surprise to all at Pittsburgh when I turned up from Howard
College UKZN.’
Van der Heijden didn’t rely on any external funding for her research but
frankly added,’ Of course not, and I never asked for funding. At my age I’m
not supposed to be chasing round campuses! Universally no government
would dream of allowing an old girl a bursary! Goodness that’s something for
the young ones who have their lives ahead of them!’
She also expressed her gratitude to her supervisor Professor Michael
Chapman, her family and her friend Dr Litzi Lombardozzi, for their support and
is anxiously waiting to attend her niece’s ‘big fat Greek wedding’ soon.
Gillian's contact details are as follows:
Tel: 031 465 1113
Cell: 071 7584324
Email: goldlion@telkomsa.net