From dropping out of university twice to graduating cum laude, visually impaired student Raphael Sambo has turned a once-fractured academic journey into a story of distinction.

Raphael earned his postgraduate diploma in management from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), achieving a milestone he describes as the result of persistence, resilience and critical support from the university’s disability services.

The moment he graduated carried deep personal significance for Raphael after years of uncertainty and rebuilding.

“I am excited and happy at the same time. This is a great milestone for me, and I am really proud of what I have achieved.”

Starting over after setbacks

His academic path was not linear. Raphael experienced academic challenges that led to him discontinuing his studies at previous institutions.

“I was a dropout. I studied at the University of the Free State, and later at the University of Limpopo,” he says.

His academic trajectory shifted in 2022 after enrolling at the NWU, where he began to rebuild his confidence and achieve stronger academic results.

Born with a visual impairment, Raphael explains that he only came to fully understand the extent of his condition later in childhood.

“I was born with this condition, but I only realised in primary school that I was partially sighted,” he says.

He later sought medical attention after experiencing a decline in his vision and was diagnosed with glaucoma, a condition that further impacted his sight. Despite these challenges, he continued his studies with determination, relying on structured academic support systems.

How the NWU’s Disability Rights Unit helped

A defining factor in his academic success was the consistent support he received from Vida Mutlaneng, Disability Rights Unit coordinator, known as Mam V, who helped him navigate both academic and accessibility barriers.

“Mam V supported me throughout my studies. She is always there to assist me and her help made a big difference.”

“I am incredibly proud of Raphael’s achievement,” says Mam V. “There is often a stereotype that where there is a disability, there is no ability. He has challenged that perception and set a powerful example, showing that he can excel at anything he sets his mind to.

Raphael Sambo