By Staff Reporter
TURFLOOP – In a powerful story of resilience and determination, Lethabo Maleka {24) from Ga-Mphahlele in Limpopo has graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Limpopo.
Maleka lost his sight at the age of 10 after a traumatic encounter with a spitting cobra inside a pit toilet. The venom affected his eyes, and over time his vision deteriorated until he became completely blind.
Despite this life-changing setback, Maleka refused to give up on his dreams. After initially dropping out of school due to a lack of support, he was later enrolled at Siloe School for the Blind in Polokwane, where he learned Braille and rebuilt his confidence.
Through dedication and hard work, he excelled academically and went on to become one of the top 20 matric achievers in the country in 2021, with an impressive average of 87.61% from Setotolwane Secondary School.
He was recognised nationally and invited to a special breakfast with then Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and her deputy Makgabo Reginah Mhaule, where he received awards for his outstanding performance.
Driven by a passion for justice and a desire to support vulnerable communities, Maleka pursued his LLB degree at the University of Limpopo.
Today, his Cum Laude graduation stands as a testament to his perseverance, discipline, and unwavering belief in his potential.
“Disability is not inability,” Maleka says, encouraging other young people facing challenges to remain focused and committed to their goals.
His journey continues to inspire many, proving that even in the face of adversity, success is possible with determination and purpose.
#ULGrad2026 #ChooseUL #IAmUL #ULEvents2026
