Triumph over adversity| “Some people don’t believe we can go to school and be professionals”
TO Ephraim Kekana, graduating with a Bachelor of Human Resources and Management symbolised triumph over adversity.
Kekana lives with phocomelia – a rare genetic condition which involves the malformations of human arms and legs attached directly to the trunk of the body, and which results in a flipper-like appendage.
He was amongst the 33 people living with disabilities that were conferred with degrees during the ongoing autumn graduation ceremonies at the University of Limpopo outside Polokwane
The graduation ceremonies at the university started on Monday and will end on 22 April 2024, with more than 4 460 students graduating in various fields of study.
Kekana believes that his academic achievement exemplifies perseverance and resilience amongst people living with disabilities. He reminisced about his years of study, with people constantly staring at him at the campus:
“It means I’m beautiful, that I’m someone unique and that is something to be proud of. Some people don’t believe we can go to school and be professionals, especially back home where I come from. Acquiring this qualification will motivate others to reach for the stars,” he said.
Another previously disadvantaged student, Willoby Dzobo, graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Cum Laude) which he described as a notable milestone in his desire to contribute to patient care and drug research.
Dzobo was among the 366 healthcare students conferred with degrees. Amongst the students were 82 pharmacists, 55 medical doctors and 58 nurses.
Originally from a rural village in Mutare, Zimbabwe, Dzobo said his ultimate aim was to establish his own pharmacy or conduct research on diseases affecting human lives.
“All I’ve ever wanted was to play a pivotal role in caring for patients or discovering drugs to alleviate their suffering. Acquiring this qualification from UL is the first step towards achieving my dream,” he said.
Hassim Mohammed also achieved a Cum Laude in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB): “Becoming Dr Mohammed has become a dream that UL has helped me achieve. What is left of me now is to go out there and help the patients.”
