By: Thabisang Thebeeapelo– 19 April 2024

“I decided to pursue tourism after being introduced to it during my grade 9 school camps. These camps, coordinated by Eco-Access, provided me with a unique glimpse into the tourism industry. Their approach to ecotourism piqued my interest and created a passion for the field. Consequently, I chose to embark on a career path in Tourism Management”, said the newly qualified tourism management professional, Nomsa Radebe, who obtained her Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) during the Autumn Graduation session.

Nomsa, a 36-year-old visually impaired woman, originates from Sebokeng, one of the townships in the Vaal region. She hails from a family of three children, consisting of two females and one male, with her being the second eldest. Nomsa received her primary education at Sibonile School for the Blind, followed by her secondary education at Filadelfia Secondary School. While she primarily speaks Zulu, Nomsa is also proficient in other languages such as Sesotho, Sepedi, and English.

“Having confidence in myself and thinking that I can succeed just like everyone else enabled me to work closely with my lecturers during my studies.”

In navigating her academic journey, Nomsa emphasizes the vital role of effective communication and support services. “Communicating with my lecturers and with the assistance of the disability unit, transcribing my study material in a way that I can study like other students and perform all my academic work,” she states. This collaborative endeavor emphasizes the need for accessible education for visually impaired people, ensuring equitable possibilities for academic achievement.

“People like Bongani Mahange from the Disability Services Office helped me a lot by revising my work into a user-friendly manner so that I could work efficiently if I faced any academic hurdles. Having positive relationships with my classmates also helped me a lot. It was not easy, but having friends who were always there for me when I needed them kept me always motivated.”

Nomsa’s passion for athletics has served as a monument to her tenacity and determination throughout her incredible journey. “Blindness may obscure the eyes but never the soul,” said Ben Tolosa, expressing Nomsa’s indomitable spirit. Despite the limitations of visual impairment, Nomsa has excelled in sports, breaking the South African 200-meter record in 2007. Furthermore, she has embraced the world of goalball, demonstrating her talent and determination in a sport designed for visually challenged people. Nomsa’s accomplishments not only challenge prejudices but also demonstrate the limitless potential that exists within.

“As any other person without a disability, I always plan out my day, and I believe that my impairment does not prevent me from doing other things. I think that being independent also helped me to truly manage my academic and personal life at the same time, and I can accomplish other things, such as taking care of myself even if I am visually impaired.

She wishes that one day she can be hired by one of the travel agencies to gain experience and bring about positive change within that company. In the future, she envisions herself either owning a travel agency or working as a tour guide as well.

The most rewarding projects for Nomsa were assignments because they pushed her to learn beyond what was presented in lectures. They encouraged her to seek additional information, enhancing her understanding and knowledge. Modules such as research particularly motivated her, inspiring her to pursue further studies towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Management. “Despite facing challenges, such as the heavy workload and technical issues like her laptop malfunctioning, Nomsa persevered. With determination and strategic thinking, she overcame obstacles to complete her work within the given time frame, with valuable guidance from her supervisor,” Prof. Limpho Lekauta.

“To my fellow visually impaired students who are studying. If you encounter challenges along your academic journey, don’t let them discourage you. Believe in yourself, stay determined, and put in the hard work. You can overcome obstacles and succeed, just as I have. Remember to collaborate with your lecturers and classmates; their support is invaluable. If I could achieve my goals despite facing difficulties, I’m confident that you can too.”, stated Nomsa.