University of South Africa: Unisan and President of Blind SA graduates with flying colours

“Never give up,” says Ntshavheni Netshituni, who recently graduated from Unisa with a Master of Laws qualification. Netshituni is not only a Unisa student but also a staff member living boldly with blindness. “Life for a person with a disability requires perseverance and dedication,” he says. Netshituni urges students and staff members living with disabilities to stay focused, futuristic and purposeful.

Born and bred in Thohoyandou, Netshituni started his elementary studies at Tshilidzini Special School in 1981. The school was established forty years ago for the blind, deaf and physically disabled students. “I was born without any disability,” explains Netshituni. “At the age of five, I started experiencing terrible eyes ache that led me to be hospitalised for thirteen months in three different hospitals.” After he was diagnosed blind, Netshituni says that special education taught him to adapt to his circumstances. “I learned to live with my blindness.”

After his enrolment at the special school, Netshituni’s mother was hopeful for a better future after seeing other learners with different disabilities. Moreover, she became his source of inspiration. This encouraged Netshituni. “Seeing my mother happy strengthened me to commit to my school work and to assist her with home chores after school.” Netshituni adds that his mother believed in him and empowered him to be independent.

Netshituni recalls his boyhood as one of the most explorative experiences. Though naughty, he was regarded as one of his community’s most brilliant young boys. “One time, I nearly broke my neck to death while following friends who, at that time, did not want to walk or play with me,” he says. “I explored their path and found myself in a pit with a stick penetrating my neck,” he adds. Furthermore, Netshituni says: “I also nearly electrocuted myself while exploring the way the power flows in wires by touching the bare wires with my tongue.” However, Netshituni’s ability to use a manual typewriter without difficulties was impressive among his list of exploring adventures. “At some point, I demonstrated typing in the presence of German tourists who were eager to fund my school after seeing what learners with disabilities could do,” he reflects.

Currently, Netshituni is a Braille Proofreader and Transcriber at Unisa’s Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD). He extends his appreciation to the directorate for the continuous student and staff support he has received in his career. He remarks that the master’s degree has successfully asserted his professional seniority. “This achievement is opening gates of opportunities for me to thrive,” he says. “I have just been appointed as the Acting Deputy Director at the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the Presidency,” he shares.

The most significant part of Netshituni’s career is his election as the President of Blind SA, an organisation which advocates for the rights of the blind in the country. However, he also works with many organisations involved in projects for persons with disabilities and notes that this qualification would benefit his other roles. Furthermore, Netshituni believes that the qualification will assist him in ensuring that he stays ethical and complies with relevant legislation that governs persons with disabilities.

Asked about his learning experience at an online institution, Netshituni says: “Before mastering the navigational tricks – it was difficult.” But he adds: “After fully understanding the platforms and constant improvement by the institution, it was joyous!”

According to Netshituni, the ever-changing digital environment challenges students with disabilities. “Unisa gradually introduced online modules, which started quite badly for students with disabilities because the university did not properly assess the platform.” He also explains that publishers’ delayed provision of permission for their prescribed material was challenging. “One would often write exams without sufficiently engaging with the material due to the delay,” he says.

Nonetheless, Netshituni completed his studies in record time with distinctions and landed a life-changing role to advocate for persons with disabilities in the country.