Defying the Odds: Lwando’s inspiring journey as a partially blind teacher

Born partially blind, Lwando Masangwane, an assistant teacher at Laerskool Roodebeeck, has never let his condition define him. Instead, he persevered through every obstacle, excelled academically and became an inspiration to others.

Lwando was born and bred in the Eastern Cape in a small town called eTsolo, where his mother and younger brother were also partially blind.

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“We didn’t know what the cause of the condition was; however, my mother got hurt in her eyes when she was young, and I suspect that we might have inherited this condition from her,” said Lwando.

“Our community was not educated enough about disabilities, and they used to mock me (and my brother) here and there, but my family loved and protected us through everything, and we didn’t get any special treatment.

“I attended primary school and high school at eFata School for the Blind and Deaf, where I was accepted and realised that my disability isn’t a barrier.”

He completed high school and studied for a Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET training, majoring in English First Additional and Life Orientation, and later got a job as an assistant at the school.

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Today, despite struggling to see beyond the first row of his classroom, he continues to pour his heart into teaching, proving that true dedication knows no barriers.

Every day, Lwando bends inches from his students’ work to mark their books, holds textbooks right up to his face to read, and relies on his keen sense of hearing to recognise all 160 of his Grade Two learners. He is also part of the Gauteng Lions cricket team for the blind, where he’s also pushing his long passion for sports.

“I love and enjoy what I do. I get to teach the little ones not only school curriculum but also important values like kindness, respect, and different disabilities and just to be themselves.

“I interact very well with them, and when they ask me why I’m closing my eyes, I take that as an opportunity to educate them about life.”

Recently, Lwando received a life-changing gift from an organisation called Hotcares, where he received R 50 000 for a proper eye specialist consultation, a full diagnosis, and prescription glasses tailored to his needs.

This gift isn’t just about improving his sight – it’s about giving him the tools to continue inspiring young minds without the daily struggle. It’s about ensuring he can keep doing what he loves for years to come.

“My journey with the specialist will start very soon, and I am truly grateful to Hotcares for making this possible. I did not yet have the power to do this; therefore, I feel very empowered and cared for.”

Lwando’s words of encouragement to everyone are, “Disability isn’t a barrier, and you can do anything that you put your mind to.”