The morning of Friday, 05 September 2025, dawned bright over Bloemfontein. The campus of the Central University of Technology (CUT) buzzed with excitement as graduates and their families streamed into the hall, dressed in their finest, ready to celebrate years of hard work and perseverance. The atmosphere was electric — a mix of laughter, tears, and anticipation.
In the middle of the packed hall sat Dr. Gino Alberts, holding his breath as the ceremonial music began. This was not just any graduation day — this was the day he had long prayed for, the day he would watch his wife, Mapiet Junia Alberts, cross the stage and receive her Doctor of Education degree.
Junia’s journey to this moment had been anything but easy. Born and raised in Thaba Nchu, she attended Albert Moroka High School, where she passed her Senior Certificate . Her passion for education was evident early on, and she went on to study for a University Diploma in Education (Secondary) majoring in Mathematics and Science at Thaba Nchu College of Education. Her career began humbly at Poonyane Primary School, where she taught all grades. Soon after, she moved to Albert Moroka High School, teaching Mathematics and Physical Science to Grades 9–12, laying the foundation for her lifelong mission — shaping young minds.
Her academic hunger never stopped. Over the years, Junia collected qualifications like badges of honour: two Advanced Certificates in Education (Education Management and School Leadership), a Baccalaureus Educationis Honores degree, a Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation, a Master’s in Education, and finally, the crowning achievement — her Doctorate in Education.
When her name was called, the hall erupted into applause. Proudly dressed in her doctoral gown and cap, Junia rose and walked towards the stage. Her supervisor, Prof. Greg Alexander, guided her up the steps and introduced her with glowing words that captured the essence of her research:
“Dr. Alberts’ study proposes a culturally responsive management framework for language diversity in schools. Her work shows how school leadership can be used to foster inclusivity, resolve conflicts, and build a united nation. It is a reaffirmation of Nelson Mandela’s dream of a rainbow nation.”
As she received her degree from the Chancellor, Junia’s eyes welled up. From the audience, Dr. Gino Alberts could hardly contain his emotions.
“I felt like I was in the seventh heaven,” he later said. “Seeing Junia cross that stage was one of the proudest moments of my life. She is my inspiration, a living example that faith, hard work, and perseverance truly pay off.”
The Alberts family, children, and friends, and the visitors broke into ululations and cheers, their joy filling every corner of the hall.
A Life of Leadership and Service.
Dr. Junia Alberts is more than just an academic. She has been the Principal of Excelsior Combined School since 2010, where she has worked tirelessly to improve teaching, learning, and school culture. Before that, she served as Deputy Principal, Head of Department, and teacher — touching countless lives along the way.
Outside the classroom, Junia has always been actively involved in netball, volleyball, counselling, and motivational speaking, showing her commitment to holistic education. Her doctoral research is a blueprint for schools struggling to manage language diversity in a way that promotes unity rather than division.
A Family’s Shared Victory
For the Alberts family, this was not just Junia’s victory — it was theirs too. Her husband, Dr. Gino Alberts, is no stranger to academic excellence himself, holding a PhD in Business Administration, and serving as Communications Manager at Metsimaholo Local Municipality. Together, the couple are the founders of Ebenhezer Family Church in Thaba Nchu, where they minister to their community.
As the graduation ceremony concluded, hugs, photographs, and tears of joy marked the moment. For Dr. Junia Alberts, this was not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new one — one where her research will inspire educators, principals, and policymakers to view language not as a barrier, but as a bridge towards social cohesion.
Her story is a testimony that dreams are valid, no matter where you come from. From a young girl in Thaba Nchu with a passion for education to a Doctor of Education shaping the future of schools, Junia’s journey proves that with resilience, faith, and family support, anything is possible.
