Kabelo Motaphi Kekana was the top-performing matric with special education needs in the country. Now, he’s starting an exciting new chapter—studying law. As a blind man, Kabelo hopes to inspire others who feel limited by their circumstances.
Johannesburg, South Africa (12 March 2025) — Kabelo Motaphi Kekana believes that some barriers are made to be broken. As South Africa’s top-performing matric with special education needs (Kabelo is blind), he knows a thing or two about feeling limited. However, he also knows a thing or two about doing what you set your mind to in spite of limitations.
“I just want to show the world that disability is not a limitation to success,” the former Rivoni School for the Blind learner says.
Kabelo is now a first-year law student at the University of the Witwatersrand. Passionate about serving justice, Kabelo shares that he wants to make justice accessible to everyone “regardless of their background.”
Getting to this place in his life certainly came with its challenges. But Kabelo pushed forward, much to the credit of his determination and a strong support system.
“My friends and family believed in me. Their confidence and support helped me persevere. They stood by me throughout [matric], and because they trusted me, I learned to trust myself too,”
Kabelo is now navigating a new chapter as a legal eagle-to-be and life a first year. He’s praised the university’s staff and students for being supportive and noted that the adjustment to uni life has been smoother than expected, largely thanks to the Disability Rights Unit.
Just as Kabelo is passionate about accessibility when it comes to justice, he’s also learning how technology can be a fantastic tool that opens doors.
“When I arrived, I wasn’t familiar with using a computer, but the DRU introduced me to adaptive technology. Now, I use assistive software that provides spoken feedback for everything on the screen, allowing me to work just as efficiently as any other student.”
Speaking to others who might feel limited, Kabelo says:
“You can achieve anything you set your mind to, regardless of the challenges you face. I want to encourage others who have disabilities or face obstacles—your journey does not end because of these challenges. With the right support, anything is possible.”
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