TEARS of joy flowed at the Westville Sports Centre as Sibusiso Zondo took to the stage to receive the degree he had worked tirelessly to achieve.

For the 29-year-old visually impaired graduate, the applause marked more than the end of his university journey, it was a powerful triumph over the barriers he had faced since birth.

Zondo, from Manzana in Bergville, graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with a Bachelor of Social Science degree this week, joining 21 other graduates with disabilities at this year’s Spring Graduation.

Watching proudly from the audience were his aunt, Sebenzile, and older brother, Sicelo, who struggled to hold back their tears.

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Sebenzile said she never imagined she would one day watch her nephew, who was born visually impaired, graduate. Sicelo said he was immensely proud of his brother for fulfilling his dream of attending university, although he wished their parents had been alive to witness the milestone.

“Sibusiso graduating means more to us than any of our own accomplishments because we have witnessed firsthand the challenges he has endured since infancy. Our only wish now is for him to secure employment, become self-sufficient, and be able to support himself,” he said.

Zondo said he was born semi-blind and can see figures and colours to some extent, but cannot read text on paper or screens. His academic journey was not easy, but support from his family and UKZN’s Disability Unit helped him overcome some of the barriers.

The unit provided assistive technology, including JAWS and a Braille Pocket Reader, which enabled him to access his studies. Now Zondo is setting his sights even higher. He is applying for internships and hopes to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Human Resources or Transport and Logistics next year.

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His message to others living with disabilities is simple:

“Don’t give up on your dreams and use all the opportunities given to you,” he said.

Dr Normah Zondo, UKZN’s executive director of Corporate Relations, said the achievements of graduates with disabilities highlighted the importance of inclusive education and support.

“Their success reaffirms our commitment to nurturing the potential of all our students.”

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