By: Puleng Maphisa- 22 April 2023

A visually impaired graduate from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), Nomsa Radebe believes that it is possible to achieve your dreams only when you put your mind to it. She said that being visually impaired wouldn’t deter her from fulfilling her dreams but pushes her to strive to reach her life goals.

The thirty-five (35) year old from Sebokeng, recently graduated for her Diploma in Tourism Management, at the University’s autumn graduations.

Nomsa joined VUT in 2018, fully charged with passion for tourism which she says started back in high school during camps- it was during those days that she vowed that one day she will pursue her dream of being a tour guide or owning a travel and tour company.

In her words, the journey leading up to her enrolment at VUT wasn’t an easy one. After failing matric in 2008, she had to swallow her pride and rewrite in 2009 but failed again. However, her passion and enthusiasm drove her to push her to try again the following year and passed, although not satisfactorily. Fast forward, between 2011 and 2015 she did short courses in computer and in call centre training, as well as NCV Level 2 – 4 in Office Admin which allowed her to secure a space to study at VUT through the entry-level during the extended program days.

Nomsa said that despite all the hard times she faced she never got to give up but always wanted to better her life.

Acknowledging that it might sound very strange for a visual impairment person to study tourism, she vows that she can take you from points A to B with directions while walking side by side with you. “I may not be good with giving out directions but walking with you, I can take you anywhere you want,” said Nomsa, with a giggle.

Asked about the challenges she faced during her study years, she said that it was not easy as she was the only one in her class who was visually impaired but adds that her lecturers and the Transformation Unit supported her throughout her studies.  “Lecturers would send my work to the Transformation Unit where it would be converted to Braille,” said Nomsa, but pointed out that the only time she struggled was during the online sessions because the Blackboard is not user-friendly for the blind students and had to rely on the support from friends, family, and lecturers.

She encouraged others with physical challenges that, it doesn’t mean the end of the world. “We are normal just like everyone else,” she concluded, adding that if she managed to achieve her dream, we all can.