04 April 2025
We are thrilled to introduce this year’s incredible group of students! Among them, we have future lawyers, psychologists, teachers, and so much more. Their potential is limitless, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll achieve. Wishing them all the very best as they embark on their exciting journeys ahead!
Janey van Deventer is a dedicated honours student in Psychological Counselling at the University of South Africa (Unisa). As a partially sighted individual, Janey faces unique challenges, but her passion for helping others remains unwavering. She chose this course intending to register with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP), as it is a critical step in her journey toward becoming a professional counsellor.
Janey Van Deventer
Upon completion of her studies, Janey aspires to pursue a career in counselling, offering support and guidance to individuals navigating life’s difficulties. She believes in the power of counselling to transform lives and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the field.
Beyond her studies, Janey has a deep interest in education, early childhood development, and history. She believes in the power of education to shape the future and is passionate about continuing to grow both professionally and personally. With her determination and focus, Janey is well on her way to making a significant impact in the world of counselling.
Johannes Mogashoa, a first-year Bachelor of Law student at the University of South Africa (Unisa), is passionate about learning the intricacies of human rights, property rights, and estate administration. As a blind individual, Johannes is determined to excel in his studies and pursue a successful career in law. He chose to study law to significantly impact the legal field, particularly in areas that affect human rights and justice.
Johannes Mogashoa
Upon completing his studies, Johannes aspires to become either a legal advisor or a human rights lawyer. His goal is to serve the community by advocating for justice and supporting individuals in need of legal representation.
One of Johannes's biggest challenges is securing enough assistive devices to study effectively and efficiently. Despite this obstacle, he remains committed to his academic success and career aspirations.
In addition to his legal studies, Johannes has a wide range of interests. He is deeply engaged in issues related to governance and leadership, and enjoys following sports, particularly cricket and soccer. He also finds solace in music, especially jazz, which serves as a source of relaxation and inspiration.
Bonke Mdiza, a Master of Education student specializing in Inclusive Education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, is committed to advocating for a more inclusive and accessible education system. As a partially sighted individual, Bonke’s personal experiences have fuelled a deep passion for ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in educational settings. This drive has led Bonke to pursue a Master’s degree to become a university lecturer in inclusive education.
After completing his studies, Bonke aspires to share his knowledge and experiences by teaching at a university level, inspiring future educators to prioritize inclusivity in their teaching practices. His passion for education and advocacy motivates him to work toward creating a more equitable environment for all students, regardless of their abilities.
Bonke Mdiza
Beyond his academic pursuits, Bonke is passionate about research, personal development, and disability rights advocacy. He enjoys reading, engaging in discussions on educational policies, and exploring ways to improve access to quality education for all students. Bonke’s commitment to inclusive education and his vision for a more accessible future make him a dynamic and inspiring individual in the field of education.
Slade Heydenrych is a passionate student currently pursuing a BA in Arts and Media Studies at Eduvos. As a partially sighted individual, Slade has a strong commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving his goals in the world of journalism and radio broadcasting. He chose this course because it aligns perfectly with his career aspirations and interests, providing him with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in these fields.
After completing his studies, Slade aims to pursue a career in journalism or radio broadcasting, where he hopes to make a significant impact in the media industry. He is driven by a desire to tell stories and share important information, with the goal of connecting people and communities through his work.
Slade Hydendrych
Slade's biggest challenge is his partial sight, but he remains determined to overcome any obstacles in order to succeed. Despite this challenge, he continues to pursue his passion for the media industry with resilience and dedication.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Slade enjoys playing golf and listening to music. These hobbies offer him a balance between his studies and personal interests, allowing him to relax and recharge as he works toward his career goals in journalism and broadcasting.
Samantha Daniels is an MPhil student in Disability Studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT). As a blind individual, Samantha is deeply committed to advancing inclusive education in South Africa. She believes her research will significantly contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding inclusive education practices, particularly in the context of visual impairments. Samantha's goal is to develop guidelines for improving the working conditions of educators with visual impairments and to influence the review and amendment of educational and employment policies. Ultimately, she envisions her work leading to more effective and inclusive educational practices in South Africa.
Samantha Daniels
Samantha aspires to become a curriculum and policy advisor for inclusive education, focusing on advocating for persons with disabilities, after completion of her studies. She is passionate about creating systemic changes that will improve opportunities for people with disabilities, both in education and in the workforce.
Her biggest challenge is sourcing study materials quickly while balancing her time between work, family, and her studies. Despite these challenges, Samantha remains dedicated to her academic and professional goals.
Samantha is passionate about supporting parents of visual impaired children and raising awareness about disability rights and inclusion. She enjoys teaching and, when time permits, participating in nature excursions with family and friends.