Those who still believe that blindness is a stumbling block to success have a lesson to learn from Frans Mokwala (33).

Mokwala is a zealous achiever who has put his blindness aside to set a shining example by becoming an educational torchbearer for disabled members of the community. He received high honor from the audience as he ascended the stage to receive his LLB degree from the University of Venda (Univen) Chancellor, Cyril Ramaphosa, during the recent Univen graduation ceremony.

In an exclusive interview, Mokwala said it was his dedication and hard work that helped him to achieve his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. He said excitedly: “My future is in my hands and I don’t want to depend on handouts and a disability grant for survival. I am blind but I can achieve my set goals like every member of society.” Sadly, Mokwala was not born blind. “I was attacked by a mysterious disease which left me blind when I was only six years old. Although it was not easy to cope with life after my blindness, I vowed that I wanted to become educated and contribute to the development of my community.”

Mokwala started his primary school education at Phaswane Primary, in Mashabela, Nebo. “I did not finish my first year at primary school because of the mysterious illness which resulted in my blindness. I took a five-year break and started again with my schooling at Bosele School for the Blind in 1984. It became very difficult to adapt to a learning environment where I had to use a Braille machine to read and write. I worked hard at the school until I completed my Grade 12 in 2000.” Mokwala said he then registered for an LLB degree with the University of Venda in 2001. “I owe my success to my classmates, lecturers and Univen staff for their support throughout these years.”

Although he is presently unemployed, Mokwala says he believes he will one day get a chance to prove himself in the competitive job market. “It is not always easy for the disabled to get employment because most employers look down upon us, thinking that we would not perform because of our disability, which is a wrong perception.” He encourages other disabled members of the community to take steps for their own intellectual benefit. “It would be a lie to blame poverty because there are a lot of bursaries that only cater for the disabled. We need to stand up and prove ourselves because we can also make a mark in community development.”