09 April 2025 | Story: Qhawekazi Memani | Photo: Nkhensani Ntshovelo Simango.
2 minutes read time.
When you meet Mr Bonginkosi Ndaba, you meet more than just a graduate; you meet resilience personified.
Crossing the stage to receive his Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mr Ndaba carries with him not just a qualification but a powerful story of perseverance, self-advocacy, and quiet strength. Living with hearing loss, Bonginkosi has had to navigate an academic environment that isn’t always designed with inclusivity. Yet, he has never allowed that to define or limit him.
Born with a love for problem-solving and a passion for refining systems, Mr Ndaba chose industrial engineering not just for its logic and innovation but to prove something more profound: that people living with disabilities can thrive in complex, technical environments.
His academic journey was far from easy. Group projects, presentations, and fast paced discussions presented significant communication barriers. “It was easy to miss important details,” he reflects. “But I prepared thoroughly, sought clarity when needed, and never hesitated to ask for support.” One of the turning points came through an unexpected channel, his roommate, who connected him to support services that made a meaningful difference. With bursary funding covering his tuition, accommodation, books, and meals, Mr Ndaba was empowered to focus on his studies without financial strain.
But beyond the academics, Mr Ndaba has grown into someone who speaks with quiet power. “Living with hearing loss has made me more resilient, resourceful, and empathetic. It’s taught me how to adapt and thrive.” His journey is a reminder that success isn’t just about reaching the finish line; it’s about how you navigate the terrain along the way.
Mr Ndaba dreams of becoming a process engineer, hoping to improve operational systems and advocate for inclusive design and thinking within engineering spaces. “I want to help create workplaces where no one is left out: where diversity of ability is part of the blueprint.”
To other students living with disabilities just starting their own academic paths, his advice is firm and heartfelt:
“Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Your voice is important, even if you communicate differently. Surround yourself with people who respect your journey. And never forget: your disability does not define your destiny.”
Congratulations, Mr Bonginkosi Ndaba. Your courage, determination, and leadership story remind us that true strength often speaks softly but echoes loudly.
