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NOT DISCOURAGED: Thomas Malela, a blind Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute graduate could not attend his graduation ceremony because he injured his knee when he fell into a lift. Photo: PEGGY NKOMO

A KNEE injury has forced a blind student and one of the country's top achievers to miss his institution's graduation ceremony where he was to receive a certificate in leadership.

Thomas Malela, of Pretoria, was among 150 students who graduated at the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (TMALI) yesterday.

The inaugural graduation ceremony was held at the University of SA's (Unisa) main campus in Pretoria.

While his peers were celebrating their achievements, the 30-year-old Malela was in the surgery ward at Muelmed Hospital where he was due to undergo a knee operation.

He fell into an elevator last week and has been in hospital since.

Despite his discomfort, Malela could not contain his excitement. He graduated in the Introduction to Thought Leadership for Africa's Renewal course and is currently employed as a foreign services officer at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

"I feel so bad that I can't be there to celebrate. This is one of the biggest achievements in my life. This qualification will open so many doors for me as a diplomat in other African countries," Malela said. His course specialises in understanding the dynamics of political and economic conflicts in Africa.

He has already registered for a course in Africa and International Trade at the same institution. TMALI is a partnership between Unisa and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. TMALI head Dr Maureen Tong said Malela was a remarkable student.

"It's a very difficult programme to pass," she said. "Only about 60% of the students pass it and the rest have to repeat. But he passed all his assignments at his first attempt and went on to pass the exams, which is remarkable."

Malela lost his sight in 1995 while in Grade 7. "My parents immediately sent me to do a six-week course in Braille to prepare me for a special school. It was easy to adjust because I've always been a keen learner," he said.

Besides reading Braille, he also makes use of an audio programme - Jaws screen reading software - which allows the user to convert ordinary books into Braille and also converts speech. Sometimes he asks his classmates to read books into his machine.

"I've never felt that I was different because my parents did not raise me that way. They allowed me to go out and experiment with the world. I also had an understanding with my lecturers," he said. - sifilel@sowetan.co.za

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Thu May 23 17:52:32 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 7, 2012

Papage

These are the types of stories we want to hear and read, our children must be inspired by people like this. God works for those who pray and wait, wait for something to happen, wait patiently for an answer, yes we salute you Big man, you will be a Great Leader one day, keep the spirit and we sih you a speedy recovery. Future looks bright for you and you will help the Country to grow. God Bless.
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Aug 7, 2012

Kgaoza606

Congratulations Mr Malela, ur determination and resilience is truly an inspiration. Wish our youth who are able-bodies can disregard all challenges and excuses and pursui education, coz only education can lead one to true economic freedom!!!
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Aug 7, 2012

razor1

wish you a speedy recovery !
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Aug 7, 2012

Tak-T

Get bettr my friend,u r a real inspird Diplomatic Diplomat blended by Dirco. Congrats
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Aug 7, 2012

Lucasthubana7

Wish you a speedy recovery Mr Malela, and congradulation on your achievement.
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