From uncertainty to triumph: Linah Maboya, a partially blind graduate stands as living proof that no dream is too distant as her parents Mamolima and Mosebetsi Maboya beam with pride in a deeply heartfelt celebration of her victory.

Success is measured not only by qualifications, but by the journeys that shape them. This Autumn Graduation at the Welkom Campus carried a special kind of pride and emotion, as five students with disabilities stood among the 722 graduates, each one representing a story of courage, resilience, and quiet determination.

Among them is Linah Maboya, a partially blind graduate who earned her Bachelor of Education in Languages. Her journey is not just one of academic achievement, but of finding her voice in the face of uncertainty.

When she first arrived at university, the experience was overwhelming. She struggled to navigate her studies while managing her disability, unsure of where to turn or what support was available. “At first, it was very hard because I didn’t fully understand what support was available for my disability,” she recalls. “Everything changed the moment I chose to speak up.”

After opening up to one of her lecturers, Linah was referred to the Disability Unit, a specialised support service dedicated to ensuring equal access, inclusion, and academic success for staff and students with disabilities. “That single step marked a turning point in my journey,” she said.

With the right support, what once felt impossible slowly became achievable. Reading, writing, and completing assessments within strict time limits no longer felt like insurmountable barriers. “Before discovering the Unit, it was difficult for me to finish on time when writing, but the support I received really helped me improve,” she shares.

Today, Linah stands tall not only as a graduate, but as a beacon of hope to many. “I’m hoping to find a job, and I want to encourage others who are living with disabilities like me to stand up for themselves,” she says with quiet confidence.

Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most important step is simply asking for help and believing that you deserve it.

She is not alone in this triumph. Karabo Morapedi, who graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Applied Management, Mothibedi Lindiwe, who completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, and Ntokozo Ntuli, who earned a Diploma in Language Practice and Media Studies, are among those who have also walked this path with courage and determination.

Barriers broken, dreams achieved: Ntokozo Ntuli speaks with gratitude about the role of the CUT Disability Unit in her success.

Another graduate who shared her journey is Ntokozo Ntuli who lives with dysgraphia. She describes her journey at CUT as both fulfilling and deeply rewarding. What once could have been a limitation became a story of growth, supported by a community that believed in her potential.

She speaks with gratitude about the role of the Disability Unit in her success, crediting it for helping her navigate her academic journey with confidence. Now, as a graduate, she looks ahead with hope and purpose, eager to continue her studies while exploring new opportunities.

Together, these graduates embody something far greater than academic success. They remind us that behind every qualification is a story of perseverance, behind every challenge lies the possibility of growth, and that with the right support, no barrier is too great to overcome. A proof that every dream, no matter how distant it may seem, is always within reach.