Never too late to learn

For over two decades, Nico Badenhuizen has been a familiar face at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Serving as a technical specialist in UCT’s Communication and Marketing Department (CMD), his work has often been behind the scenes, supporting the university’s major events, improving digital workflows, and ensuring the institution’s web content management systems run smoothly.

But this Spring graduation season at UCT, Nico steps into the spotlight himself, celebrating an academic achievement that is both personal and professional.

“I haven’t studied for over 20 years,” he admitted with a smile. “So, when I signed up for the postgraduate diploma in management practice at the UCT Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB), it was daunting. Switching my brain back into study mode, especially academic writing and research, was tough. But I drew on the problem-solving mindset from my day-to-day work, and it reminded me that it’s never too late to learn something new.”

Nico’s journey began in Blue Water Bay, a small town outside Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), where his love for technology was first sparked. At the age of nine, his parents brought home one of the earliest personal computers, an XT machine that he found captivating. It was love at first sight, and he quickly immersed himself in games and tinkering with any application he could lay his hands on. As technology advanced, he moved from the 286 through to the Pentium, each upgrade feeding his curiosity. By the time he reached high school, Nico had already gained broad exposure to personal computers, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion for technology. “Back then, we used to cart our computers to friends’ houses to play network games,” he recalled. “Now, my kids have more power in their pockets than I had in my entire setup. I always joke with them that their phones are a luxury they don’t realise they have.”

That passion led him to study information technology (IT) at what is now Nelson Mandela University, laying the foundation for a career built on curiosity and adaptability.

“That mix of technical problem-solving and people-focused support has kept my work fresh and rewarding for 23 years.”

In 2003, Nico joined UCT as a freelancer and later became a permanent employee. Over the years, his role has undergone significant evolution. Today, he straddles two worlds: the fast-moving technical space of web and event technology, and the creative, people-focused work of communications.

“My job is never the same two days in a row,” he said. “One day I might be writing a technical brief for vendors or testing new systems, the next I’ll be helping colleagues who seldom engage with digital tools. That mix of technical problem-solving and people-focused support has kept my work fresh and rewarding for 23 years.”

While many know Nico as the calm problem-solver behind UCT’s digital systems, few may know about his other passions. “Mountain biking is one of my great loves. I also enjoy the odd game of chess or science discussions with my youngest son and watching my eldest compete in rugby and athletics while enjoying a coffee on the sidelines – that’s the best.”

Saying yes to growth

The idea of returning to study was first planted by a senior colleague after Nico mentioned he needed a new challenge. Later that year, while chatting with a close colleague before a staff meeting, the topic came up again. “She said, ‘Why don’t we do this course?’ We laughed and nervously agreed and then kept checking in on each other until we finally signed up for the programme,” he recalled. That decision marked the start of a challenging yet transformative year. The programme, taught online, required intense study blocks, group projects, and evenings filled with research and reflective writing.

“I didn’t watch TV for an entire year,” he quipped. “After work and family time, I’d be at my desk until midnight, writing or preparing projects. It made me realise how much time we waste in a day – and how much you can achieve when you use it fully.”

[The course] taught me how to lead, understand myself and other people, and grow in a team environment.”

The course, focused on leadership, marketing strategy, and business acumen, pushed him far outside his comfort zone. “It had nothing to do with IT,” he said. “But it taught me how to lead, understand myself and other people, and grow in a team environment.”

For Nico, the greatest challenge wasn’t the theory but learning how to reflect. “Reflective writing was completely new to me. At first, I dreaded it. But as I progressed from module to module, one of the UCT GSB writing consultants gave me confidence and direction. Their feedback not only helped me improve but also motivated me to keep going. That growth, from struggling to finding my voice, was deeply rewarding.”

There were lighter moments, too. Group projects often required presenting to large online classes, something Nico initially found intimidating. Over time, he grew more confident. “As the course went on, I realised my brain was switching on in new ways. The content, the people, the process – it was exciting.”

Balancing family, work, and study

Studying while raising two sons and working full-time was not a walk in the park. Yet Nico credits his family for making it possible. “Before I started, we sat down as a family and agreed that it would mean sacrifices. My wife was incredibly supportive, and I still made time for all the rugby matches and family moments. You can do it, but you need a strong support system.”

“I see things differently now, whether it’s at work, with my family, or in everyday interactions. It made me a better person.”

That balance also gave him perspective. While Nico is already eager to pursue an MBA, he’s waiting until his children finish high school. “I know how much time studying takes. For now, I want to focus on my boys’ school and sports. But once they’re through, I’m ready for the next step.”

Nico’s studies coincided with a leadership transition at UCT, and he found himself viewing the new vice-chancellor’s CV through a fresh lens. “I’d just finished a module on values-based leadership, and suddenly I saw things I’d never noticed before,” he said. “This course isn’t just about work – it’s about who you are in your family, with your friends, and in your community. It wasn’t just about management skills. It was about people, leadership, and values. I see things differently now, whether it’s at work, with my family, or in everyday interactions. It made me a better person.”

For Nico, keeping up with rapid technological change is less about chasing every new trend and more about staying curious in areas that directly impact his work. From artificial intelligence (AI) to event technology, he believes professionals should see emerging tools as opportunities to enhance rather than replace their skills. “We don’t necessarily use AI to do the work for us,” he explained, “but as a tool to augment what we do so we can be more efficient and productive. It’s exciting and sometimes scary, but if you know how to use it well, the results can be incredible.”

On Tuesday, 9 September, Nico will finally meet many of his classmates in person – peers he has only known through a computer screen. It will be a moment of celebration, but also of recognition: that after 23 years at UCT, he is still a student at heart, hungry to learn, ready to grow, and proof that education is a lifelong journey. He added, “None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, colleagues, and team, who kept me grounded and encouraged me throughout the year.”