Kopano Moeti is a Bachelor of Music (BMus) student at the University of Pretoria (UP). Her story is one of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. She was born in the East Rand, where she entered the world with a profound challenge, blindness.

Despite this, music became a constant and uplifting presence throughout her life. Raised by a single parent alongside two siblings, her early years were marked by determination and a drive to overcome the barriers set before her.

Moeti’s educational journey began at the Prinshof School for visually impaired learners, in central Pretoria, where she completed grades 1 to 12. Before this, she attended a school in Benoni, where she learned to speak English, laying the foundation for her future academic and professional pursuits.

Currently, Moeti is in her second year of studying music, with piano as her primary instrument, voice as her secondary, and the flute as her third. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her commitment to mastering multiple instruments.

When UP’s Disability Unit visited her school, she decided to explore their offerings. The support provided by the Disability Unit, combined with the advantage of being closer to home, made UP an appealing choice. “I was happy with this assistance,” she says. “There were also students I could talk to, for them to share their music student experiences with me. Based on that, I felt that it would be easier if I was also able to obtain a piano master class with one of the lecturers in the music department, and I felt that I clicked well with the lecturer, so that was another thing that kept me going the UP way.”

At UP, Moeti benefits from various accommodations that cater to her needs. The Disability Unit provides her with additional time for tests and exams, among other services.

“My learning material is converted to a format which I can read if the material has been scanned, and I also get assistance from the staff at the Disability Unit with regards to learning routes and other things I need to get around the University.” These resources are crucial in ensuring her academic journey remains smooth and fulfilling.

One common misconception that she encounters is that people assume her other senses are impaired, or that she cannot perform daily tasks such as climbing stairs. She finds that many are surprised when she demonstrates her capabilities. “It is always a surprise for them when I can do stuff.”

Moeti believes in addressing these misconceptions openly, emphasising that being blind does not define her entire being. She encourages others to use the term “blind” without hesitation, and to avoid unnecessary euphemisms.

Her personality is as vibrant as her musical talent. She describes herself as confident, humorous, and unafraid to speak her mind.

“I’m still a person. I’m just blind. I can be a good friend.” She explains that her openness and bravery are part of what makes her a good friend and an inspiring individual. She values the ability to laugh, converse freely and connect with others despite her blindness.

Adjusting to university life has had its challenges, particularly in terms of navigating the campus and residence. However, the support from the house committee, Disability Unit, and friends has made these obstacles manageable. Her lecturers have been accommodating, providing recordings and assistance with understanding foreign languages, making her learning experience more accessible.

Looking ahead, Moeti aspires to engage in both teaching and performing. While she does not have specific plans yet, she is keen on obtaining postgraduate qualifications in music. Her focus is on pursuing her passions without rushing into specifics, trusting that the right opportunities will unfold in due course.

To fellow students facing challenges, she offers words of encouragement: "Relax. You will be okay. There is support available for you, and the University will help make it work. Don’t limit yourself to what others think you should do. Aim for what you truly want." She reassures parents too, emphasising that their children will thrive with the right support and encouragement.

Kopano Moeti’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of supportive communities. Her story inspires others to embrace their challenges and pursue their passions with confidence and determination.