By: Siqhamo Jama

On the 2^nd of April 2025, sisters Dr Alyssa Shawntay Williams and Loryn Michelle Williams once again shared the Rhodes University graduation stage, sharing another defining milestone. This time, Alyssa hooded her younger sister while wearing the distinguished red gown of a doctoral graduate.

Reflecting on this moment, Alyssa declared, “I’m the eldest in my family and was the first to come to university or have the opportunity to. She's [Loryn] the baby sister, so having her here, being able to receive my last degree, and Loryn being awarded her first degree and now her second degree, is incredibly special.”

This full-circle moment followed their emotional 2024 graduation, where Alyssa was granted special permission to hood Loryn as she earned her undergraduate degree. At the time, Alyssa’s PhD had yet to be officially conferred, so she wore her master’s gown. Later that same day, she walked the stage to receive her fifth degree, a Doctor of Philosophy in Management from Rhodes University.

Their bond is more than that of siblings; it is a testament to strength. After their father's passing in 2020, Alyssa took on the role of guardian, ensuring that Loryn had both the emotional and financial support she needed to succeed. With the unwavering support of her partner, Professor David Khanye, the family redefined traditional structures, proving that love and commitment transcend convention.

Loryn graduated with an Honours degree in Information Systems, the same field in which Alyssa once earned her BCom Honours - marking not just personal success but a passing of the torch. Now, Loryn is pursuing her Master of Commerce in Information Systems, following in the footsteps of her sister, who earned an MCom in Management before pursuing her PhD.

Loryn described how much of an inspiration her sister has been: “She always pushed me to do better, but not in a way where I was forced to. In terms of academics, she was there to encourage me, but for me, it was more about having her as someone to look up to. Seeing what she accomplished and how far she had come was a motivation for myself - a standard that I set."

For Alyssa, the 2024 graduation was already significant. Not only did she receive her PhD, but she also saw her first master’s student graduate with distinction. In another twist, her Honours and MCom supervisor, Dr Shafeek Sha, graduated alongside her, earning his PhD.

Balancing these academic highs with the demands of motherhood, lecturing, and serving as an nGAP scholar, Alyssa demonstrated the complex strength of women who lead, nurture and excel simultaneously. She admitted to being particularly hard on her sister academically, saying, “Loryn would never let me read her work because I'm super critical. Even though she is my sister, I think I was even harder on her because I expected her to achieve the most. And it’s because I knew that she could."

Beyond academic achievement, the sisters also touched on the value of support and vulnerability. Loryn shared an important message: “You don’t always have to come off as this strong, independent person who knows how to do everything alone. Allow people to be there for you, to see your vulnerable states, the tough times, the hard times, because that’s what they’re there for. They’re meant to be your number one supporters - a community of people in your corner.”

As Alyssa and Loryn stood side by side again in 2025, their story resonated far beyond the graduation hall. When Alyssa hooded Loryn in her red doctoral gown, it symbolised more than an academic milestone; it was a tribute to every woman who had ever worn multiple hats: guardian, scholar, sister, daughter, and mother. It also honoured the quiet yet powerful presence of family members like their mother, who stood behind each success with unwavering support.