Humour, family, a shared graduation stage

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) spring graduation holds special meaning for Katherine Wilson and her son Cameron Thomson, who graduated together during the 2025 September graduation week. It is a milestone that reflects resilience, determination and a shared journey of support. 

First up: a BSc in Mechatronics Engineering on Monday, 8 September, for Cameron and then a master’s in psychology for Katherine on Wednesday, 10 September. “I am absolutely delighted to be graduating with my master’s at the mature age of 60,” said Katherine. “I’m very proud to have made it through [the last five years] and am looking forward to my future,” Cameron remarked.

Katherine, the communications manager at UCT’s Development and Alumni Department (DAD), recalled late nights and the presence of three students (herself and two sons) in the household. “My two sons, Cameron and Robert, were also university students, and it was quite something having three students facing deadlines, and exam and assignment pressures all at the same time.

“Fortunately, our humour and laughter kept us going and they encouraged me when I wanted to give up my studies. Relevant to the topic of my thesis – parenting – Cameron and Robert have taught and continue to teach me so much about the challenges and joys of parenting and were eternally patient with their often absent, ancient student single mother.”

Cameron reflected on what he called a symbiotic relationship as he reached this key milestone in his academic journey with his mother by his side. “She’s been my biggest supporter and a huge motivator. She looked after me when I was too busy with university to think about my own well-being, and I’d like to think I’ve done the same for her. I think it’s cool that we can share the celebrations for what has been a shared experience and challenge.”

“The world awaits your contributions, and we do not doubt that you will rise to the challenge.”

The story of Katherine’s master’s undertaking follows an approach from Professor Cathy Ward during COVID-19. “[She] asked me whether I would be interested in doing a master’s with her and being the project manager for South Africa on a digital parenting programme – ParentChat – which aims to reduce violence against children by teaching parents important positive parenting skills such as spending one-on-one time with their children, praising their children, talking about emotions, giving clear and realistic instructions and positive discipline.”

The team ran the programme on WhatsApp and observed how parents adapted to this approach, engaged fully with each other on the bi-weekly chat sessions on WhatsApp and with the videos and cartoons posted there. The digital platform also provided a safe space for parents to share their concerns, struggles and wisdom with each other. The research showed that this digital approach to running parenting programmes was a viable, scalable and cost-effective way to reduce violence against children and build happier family environments.

Mutual respect

For both Katherine and Cameron, support structures were invaluable. “Professor Ward, who was my supervisor, was exceptional,” Katherine said. “She was incredibly supportive, gave me excellent input, guidance and feedback and was generous in sharing her wisdom and expertise. She was understanding of the challenges I faced while working full-time, studying and being a single mother. What is interesting is that Cathy and I were first-year students together in psychology classes at UCT in 1985, so it has been a circular journey, having her as my supervisor 40 years later.”

Cameron, on the other hand, said: “There were times I made costly mistakes and when I fell short of what I needed to do. Yet, I found that there were some amazing people in the engineering department as well as friends and family around me who could pick me up and help me through the rough patches and low points. Dr Reuben Govender from the Mechanical Engineering department helped me out many times and gave me some solid advice. For that I owe him much gratitude.”

“My dream is to one day work trackside at the 24hrs of Le Mans, the ultimate test of car.”

They have newfound perspectives about each other: “I have huge respect and admiration for Cameron’s inner strength and determination despite some of the really challenging situations he has faced in the last five years. He has a huge heart and shows compassion, generosity, kindness and loyalty in caring for some of his fellow students [and] is always willing to go the extra mile for them,” Katherine said.

Said Cameron: “I’ve gained a further increased amount of respect for my mom. For myself I think I’ve learned to trust and believe in myself more than I ever have.”

Future plans

The future looks different for both now. “After 20 years of working at UCT, I am leaving and I will be opening up a life coaching business and I know that the project management skills learned while doing the research and the insights while speaking to parents, will impact the work I do,” Katherine noted.

For Cameron, he is jetting off to the United Kingdom (UK) to study a master’s in advanced motorsports engineering at the University of Cranfield as he sets himself up to enter the world of motorsport. “My dream is to one day work trackside at the 24hrs of Le Mans, the ultimate test of car, team and their drivers. After my master’s in the UK, I plan to be a performance engineer: sitting on the pit wall, looking through the data, communicating with the drivers and adjusting the setup of the car to maximise performance.”

What song would each of them dedicate to this academic achievement? “The Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor for Katherine and for Cameron, anything from The Glitch Mob.

For mother and son, the graduation stage is not just the end of an academic chapter, but the celebration of a journey travelled together that taught them both that they are resilient and can take on challenges, no matter how hard.