A blind student has earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree cum laude from the University of Limpopo (UL).

Lethabo Maleka, who lost his sight after a spitting cobra attack in a pit toilet in Mamaolo village at Ga-Mphahlele, Limpopo, has defied the odds to achieve academic excellence.

According to Limpopo Chronicle, Maleka was opening the door of a pit toilet when the cobra struck.

BLIND STUDENT GRADUATES LLB CUM LAUDE

After the attack, Maleka said the venom caused him to lose his sight in 2011.

His parents also struggled to find a school that accommodated blind learners.

With limited options, he dropped out of school for nearly two years.

His breakthrough came in 2014 when he was enrolled at the Siloe School for the Blind in Polokwane.

In 2021, he made it on the country’s top 20 matric achievers’ list at Setotolwane Secondary School in the Capricorn district.

The university commended Maleka for his achievement and resilience.

“This outstanding achievement reflects not only academic excellence, but resilience, discipline and an unwavering belief in his goals. His accomplishment marks a significant milestone and stands as a powerful example of perseverance,” the university said in a Facebook post.

WHEELCHAIR-BOUNDED STUDENT ATTAINS LLB DEGREE

While on academic greatness, another student who did not allow disability to stop him from pursuing his dreams was Riyaadh Kader, who also graduated with an LLB degree.

At just 13 years old, Kader’s life changed when he was struck by a stray bullet during a shooting in Hanover Park, Cape Town, as reported by Cape Argus.

Growing up in a violence-stricken community motivated him to pursue a Law degree, with the hope of contributing to society. He said he wanted his journey to inspire those who felt hopeless.

NOT AN EASY ROAD TO SUCCESS

Kader said enrolling at UWC was not easy. He arrived on campus to register but was turned away after being told his application was not captured.

The setback left him devastated and uncertain about his future.

The turning point in his life came when members of his faculty spoke on his behalf, and he was eventually admitted into the five-year programme.

The university’s Office for Students with Disabilities (OSwD) became his second home, giving him a sense of belonging.

According to a statement by UWC, Kader played a key role in establishing the Differently Abled Student Association (DASA), advocating for students whose voices are often unheard.

“I unfortunately lost my dear brother and grandmother. This really destroyed me,” Kader was quoted in the university statement.