15 April 2025 | Story: Nontobeko Moimane | Photo: Supplied.
3 minutes read time.
He radiated confidence as Mr Nthato Oraitle Phake walked onto the stage to receive his Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting during the VUT Autumn Graduations. But standing beside the podium, looking out at the crowd, something deeper took over, a bittersweet wave of joy and emotion. The years of struggle, perseverance, and quiet victories came flooding in at that moment. He found himself in tears-tears not of sorrow but of pride, relief, and gratitude. It released all the emotions he and his loved ones had endured and conquered together.
His academic journey was not easy. Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Mr Phake had to approach his studies differently. He is the only student in his faculty who received extra time during exams, a necessary adjustment that often leads to confusion or judgment from others. “Some students thought I was pretending,” he reflects. “They couldn’t understand why I needed more time, but I kept going. I stayed positive.” He completed his tests not in regular exam venues but in lecturers’ offices or the Social Justice and Transformation Office, a testament to how institutional support can be life changing.
Among the many hurdles he faced, one second-year test in Financial Accounting on conceptual frameworks stands out as particularly daunting. “I had to rewrite it several times. It wasn’t easy, but I didn’t give up.” He shares that he often felt overwhelmed and leaned on his family for emotional strength. His father became a pillar of support, and dedicated VUT staff, including Ms Zandile Shabangu, an Educational Psychologist from Student Counselling Services and Mrs Gina Fouché, a Senior Lecturer in Cost and Management Accounting, played a crucial role in helping him stay the course.
“This diploma is the second major achievement in my life after matric,” Mr Phake says with pride. “It’s not the end goal, just a silver key that opens doors to more opportunities”, added Mr Phake. It holds immense personal significance as his first university qualification and a symbol of hope for his family. “I represent them in everything I do. I wanted to make them proud, especially my little brother. I want him to see what’s possible,” alluded Mr Phake.
Yet, even in celebration, there is a quiet yearning. “There’s one person I truly wished could be here, my grandmother. I believe she’s watching over me. Her presence would’ve made this moment even more special.”
Throughout university, Mr Phake relied not only on institutional support but also on friends, groupmates, and study partners who made the journey lighter. “You can’t do it alone,” he says. He speaks fondly of a lecturer who taught him Cost Management Accounting in his first year. “She took the time to understand me. I don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for her. I’m grateful and wish her the best.”
To fellow students facing difficulties, whether academic, emotional, or related to a disability, Mr Phake’s message is clear and heartfelt: “Please ask for help. Start with your lecturer, and if you still need support, visit the Student Counselling Services. They changed my life. You are not alone, and you are not forgotten. Believe in yourself. Your thoughts shape your reality. Keep going.”
As the graduation ceremony ended and the congregation dissolved, one truth remained: Mr Phake’s story resembled hope, courage, and the quiet power of resilience.
