From a small village in Ramatlabama in the North West to completing a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Information Technology focusing on Knowledge Management, Lorato Molubi’s journey reflects perseverance, purpose and a commitment to using knowledge to strengthen higher education. A website editor in the Advancement and Communications Department at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Molubi holds a National Diploma in Engineering Computer Systems, a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Resource Management. Her latest academic achievement has enabled her to investigate how higher education institutions can adopt sustainable Knowledge Management practices to strengthen institutional processes and decision-making.
Molubi’s academic journey was not initially directed towards information technology or knowledge management. After matric, she hoped to pursue a career in health sciences, driven by a desire to contribute to her community. However, unforeseen circumstances led her to enrol for a National Diploma in Engineering Computer Systems. She later earned a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Resource Management, and gradually developed a strong interest in how institutional knowledge, both tacit and explicit, can be managed to support organisational effectiveness.
In 2023, Molubi embarked on her master’s research, focusing on Knowledge Management practices in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). She was motivated by the need for effective and sustainable knowledge management practices within institutions of higher learning and by a desire to understand the multidimensional factors influencing the adoption and implementation.
Her research examined the theoretical frameworks and factors influencing the adoption of Knowledge Management practices in HEIs. Drawing on the literature, she developed the Social, Environmental, and Technological (SOET) conceptual model, which extends the Theory of Planned Behaviour by incorporating social, environmental, and technological constructs informed by Social Capital Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model.
The model proposes that social, environmental and technological factors are interdependent and collectively influence attitudes towards Knowledge Management adoption in higher education. It is intended to provide institutions with a framework for supporting sustainable Knowledge Management adoption and implementation.
For Molubi, completing her master’s research required more than academic discipline. She had to balance her dissertation with professional and parental responsibilities while remaining focused on completing her qualification.
“Managing a full dissertation alongside professional and parental responsibilities was demanding. At times, I thought of giving up. I had to push beyond fatigue and exhaustion,” she recalls. “What kept me going was the desire to encourage and motivate the girl child.”
Her research has relevance beyond higher education. Effective Knowledge Management is essential in sectors such as healthcare, where institutions depend on the creation, sharing and application of knowledge to improve decision-making, service delivery and outcomes for communities.
Molubi hopes her experience will encourage other postgraduate students, particularly young women, to approach research as a personal journey rather than a competition. Her advice is rooted in purpose and perseverance.
“It’s never really a competition; it is a personal journey. You must be clear about why you want to pursue that degree. Secondly, and most importantly, choose a research topic that genuinely represents your interests – something you want to do, not something you were made to do. When frustrations come, that genuine interest will keep you going,” she says.
Through her research, Molubi contributes to the growing body of knowledge on Knowledge Management in higher education while demonstrating the resilience required to advance academically and professionally. Her journey reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence, innovation and research that responds to institutional and societal challenges.
As a health sciences university committed to transforming health services through excellence and innovation, SMU continues to create an environment where professional development, postgraduate research and knowledge production can contribute to stronger institutions and improved outcomes for society.
By Gabisile Sibeko
