“Akwande Tlou’s inspiring journey shows how resilience, support, and determination can turn everyday challenges into powerful steps toward success.”
25 November 2025 | Story by: Thabisang Thebeeapelo | Picture: Keitumetse Mogope
Amid the vibrant rhythm of university life, where every student carries a story shaped by hope and ambition, few narratives echo as powerfully as that of Mr Akwande Tlou. A first-year Ecotourism Management student, his journey is both deeply human and profoundly inspiring. Born in Durban and raised in a small Johannesburg community, he comes from a close-knit family of four siblings, standing proudly as the second born.
Mr Tlou lives with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a condition commonly known as brittle bone disease, and uses a power chair to navigate the campus. While many view disability through the lens of limitation, he continually shows that strength is not measured by what one endures, but by the courage to meet each day with purpose and resolve.
Campus accessibility features such as ramps and elevators help him move between classes and facilities with greater ease. Yet even with these supports, challenges still arise. Reflecting on these moments, Mr Tlou explains, “There are always challenges, and some of them are physical, like a broken elevator on campus or a suddenly blocked accessible pathway. For those, I’ve learned to be a proactive communicator. I immediately call campus facilities or disability services to report the issue.”
This proactive outlook reveals more than resilience; it reflects a young man determined not only to claim his rightful place in the academic environment but also to advocate for improvements that benefit all students who rely on accessible infrastructure.
What fortifies his journey even more is the support network around him. Mr Tlou speaks with deep gratitude about the classmates, friends, and staff members who uplift him daily. He notes that he is “surrounded by amazing and supportive people who have always been willing to lend me a hand wherever I came up short.”
Mr Tlou’s story embodies dignity, courage, and the transformative power of community. His presence on campus is a reminder that obstacles are not immovable barriers but invitations to rise, to speak, and to reshape the spaces we inhabit. His journey calls all of
us to live with empathy, intention, and an unwavering commitment to a more inclusive world.