Thabang Malapela graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree on Thursday, 7 September 2017.

Malapela faced significant obstacles in obtaining this degree, as he was involved in an accident in 2008 after the driver lost control of the vehicle. His neck and backbone were broken, causing paraplegia. He has been in a wheelchair ever since and has limited use of his hands. His wife Daphney Malapela drove him to campus and sat with him throughout his studies, taking notes on his behalf.

Daphney was beside him at his graduation.

'The support my wife has given me is incomparable, because many would not be able to tolerate a paralysed person like me. They would perceive me as a burden, but Daphney supported me,' says Malapela. The couple has been married for 25 years and have three children.

Malapela currently works as a director of disability rights at the City of Tshwane.