Thamsanqa Khumalo’s story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of adversity.

He is currently a University of Johannesburg alumni for Industrial Design, with his work recognised internationally, and also running his small business. He has worked with South Africa’s biggest brands such as Netflix as a prop designer and Ivyson gaming.

The Lantern School former learner was born at Dr. Yusuff Dadoo Hospital in Krugersdorp, and life seemed normal until at the age of three, when he was diagnosed with meningitis.

Fortunately, quick medical attention prevented severe consequences, but the illness left lasting effects; he could only hear with one ear.

“My hearing was so severe that you had to shout my name multiple times in order for me to respond,” he said.

“My parents, hopeful and determined, enrolled me in a mainstream school, but I struggled academically due to the hearing impairment. One day a teacher booked me an appointment with a doctor, and it was revealed that my hearing ability was just at 20%,” he added.

Undeterred, Thamsanqa transferred to West Rand School, where he was first introduced to a hearing aid through sponsorship that transformed his ability to perceive sound. “I could hear everything – footsteps, birds, and other sounds,” he recalls with a smile.

He says this transformation changed his entire life gaining his confidence back excelling academically including sports.

In 2018, Thamsanqa joined Lantern School for Grade Eight, where his dedication and the school’s supportive environment helped him thrive. Equipped with a personal FM system, he worked closely with teachers, ensuring he could participate fully in lessons.

His commitment paid off, enabling him to keep pace with his peers despite his severe hearing loss. “I used my FM system faithfully, handing it to each teacher before every lesson so that I could participate as fully as possible.”

His perseverance and strong self-advocacy allowed him to meet the same curriculum demands as mainstream students.

The Covid-19 pandemic, however, posed new challenges.

Masks obscured lip movements, making lip-reading impossible and further complicating his learning experience. Yet, Thamsanqa’s resilience shone through.

“Even with this added barrier, I continued to show up with resilience and determination as I was the first student with a hearing aid.”

His hard work culminated in excellent academic results. In 2022, he matriculated with two distinctions, 82% in Mathematics Literacy and 80% in Engineering Graphics and Design, and was proudly ranked second in his school’s Top 10.

His achievements earned him a place at the University of Johannesburg to study Industrial Design.

In second year of his studies his work was noticed by Oxford University for exhibition, a recognition of his extraordinary potential.

“I feel very special and honoured that today I stand as a shining example that barriers could be overcome. My advice to other people having certain barriers in life, is that they need to stay true to themselves and to believe in God,” he concluded.