The former Paralympic gold medallist’s unwavering discipline and resilience have now carried him through a Master’s degree in education policy studies.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (11 December 2025)- Former Paralympic gold medallist and world champion Dyan Buis has added another significant achievement to his name. This time in the world of academia! The celebrated athlete, who hails from Riversdale, graduated on 8 December 2025 with a Master’s degree in education policy studies from Stellenbosch University (SU).
Dyan diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy at a young age, has long been admired for refusing to be defined or limited by his condition. Throughout his life he has had to prove his capabilities, yet he never allowed his disability to be used as a crutch.
“My motivation was to always reach for the stars, to always give my best. In sport, I have learned that I do everything to bring honour to the Lord and Saviour that gave me the talent. I know full well that I achieved nothing on my own.”
He is now a teacher at Lückhoff High School in Stellenbosch and a pastor at the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa.
“Even if things are difficult, I have learned to find an easier way.“
He is committed to constant improvement.
“I have learnt through living with a disability and doing high performance sport that giving up is not an option. I have learned to work hard and to be focussed. If you achieve a goal, set the bar a little higher to keep on improving.”
He credits Stellenbosch University, the Maties High Performance Unit, and the Disability Unit for supporting both his academic and sporting paths.
“Stellenbosch University has contributed so much to my development and growth and my sport development. The Maties Sport High Performance Unit fully supported me. My student fees were always covered through sport bursaries, and the Disability Unit made a momentous impact with funding that was much needed.”
Dyan also credits a strong support system for helping him reach this milestone. At home, he had steady encouragement that allowed him to balance the demands of elite sport, teaching, and postgraduate studies. At Stellenbosch University, he benefited from institutional backing, and he speaks warmly of the guidance he received from his supervisor, Dr Jerome Joorst.
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His research, shaped by his own schooling experience as a learner with a physical disability, explores how inclusive education policies are implemented in mainstream schools across the Cape Winelands.
“My study reveals significant gaps between policy intentions and actual school practices, resulting in environments that restrict participation and reinforce inequality for learners with physical disabilities.”
Dyan hopes the work will deepen the conversation about creating more equitable environments for learners with disabilities. He believes the findings offer insights into what meaningful inclusion should look like, moving beyond mere placement towards full participation and dignity in the classroom.
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