On March 4, 2004, a wonderful person arose in the heart of Zamdela Sasolburg, destined for greatness despite the unforeseen hurdle’s life threw at him. At first, Thabo Sejane, the lone son of three siblings, seemed to have a normal beginning in life. But when he was just three to five months old, his eyes changed, going white and finally causing glaucoma to be diagnosed, which left him blind. His hometown's environmental elements, such as the gas emissions from surrounding factories, were thought to be at fault.
Despite the initial shock and difficulties faced by his parents, they refused to let adversity dictate their son's destiny. In 2009, Sejane enrolled at Sibonile School for The Visually Impaired in Kliprevir, where he remained a learner from 2010 to 2017. His introduction to Braille became a pivotal moment, and Sejane reflects, "I fell in love with Braille, recognizing it as my Constitutionally protected right to culture."
His journey in education expanded beyond personal development. Sejane actively took on the role of teaching Braille to fellow students, establishing himself as a beacon of support for those who lost their sight later in life. He acknowledges the teachers who saw this potential in him, emphasizing the value of assisting others and investing in skills.
His dedication extended to participating in national Braille competitions, earning accolades, including a top spot in the Blind SA competition in Thaba Nchu in 2020. Sejane's pursuit of education continued at Bartimaeus School For The Deaf and Blind, where he defied expectations as the first totally blind learner to tackle Mathematics. In the Class of 2022, he emerged not only as an RCL President but also as the Top Achiever in the category of learners with special needs in the Free State Matric Results.
Sejane's journey did not end with high school success; he transcended expectations once more by gaining admission to study LLB in Law at the University of Johannesburg in 2023. As he embarks on this new chapter, he shares his passion for jurisprudence, aiming to advocate for the rights of people living with disabilities and champion legislative measures to address their needs.
Reflecting on his challenges as a blind student, Sejane navigated the complexities of a new university environment with resilience. From adapting to mobility trainers to mastering text-to-speech software, he overcame hurdles in pursuit of knowledge. Accessible textbooks became a concern, but with the aid of technology, he acquired a Braille note touch to enhance his learning experience.
Addressing societal misconceptions with emotional intelligence, Sejane dismisses assumptions about the limitations of visually impaired individuals. He emphasizes the importance of time management, balancing academic and personal life, and encourages aspiring students to work hard, be independent, and pursue their dreams.
Sejane, undeterred by societal stereotypes, shares his vision for equal access to education in South Africa, highlighting existing inequalities among schools. He emphasizes the need for legislation to ensure equitable treatment and opportunities for people with disabilities.
To sum it up, Sejane's tale is not just one of overcoming personal obstacles but also one of the strengths of activism, tenacity, and knowledge. His path inspires everyone as he enters the legal field, demonstrating that blindness is a motivator for progress rather than a barrier.
You can reach out to Thabo at: thabosejane558@gmail.com