In 2017, Tsepo Dladla arrived at the University of Pretoria (UP) as a student pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, with one goal: to build a career in health sciences and serve communities, just as his grandmother had done as a professional nurse and later on his mother as a food service manager, both in the public health sector.

Eight years later, in May 2025, he finally crossed the stage to receive that degree – the result of an uncertain journey marked by medical setbacks, exclusion and persistence. Dladla’s first year as a student was the beginning of a painful and uncertain journey that not only tested his academic ability, but his health, patience and resilience.

“During my first year, my vision deteriorated rapidly until I was eventually declared legally blind,” he recalls. “Every day I would wake up and it would be worse than the day before.” 

Despite wearing glasses since matric, Dladla’s eyesight declined so quickly that prescriptions became ineffective within months. At the time, it wasn’t clear what was leading to his deteriorating eyesight. By the time he was referred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where he was finally diagnosed with corneal scarring, his condition had progressed to the point where non-invasive treatment was no longer an option. 

“By the time it got to that point, where I was supposed to have the non-invasive treatment, they told me that procedure wouldn’t help at that stage. The condition had worsened and the only option was to get a cornea transplant.” 

Because he was a health sciences student facing the risk of academic exclusion, Dladla was able to plead his case at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital and was placed on the priority waiting list for the transplant. He says even though he managed to get the first transplant within the same year, managing his academic work while dealing with surgeries, healing and ongoing medical care became too much. 

“I remember the first year that I got the surgery; I was out for months. I didn’t go to school for months,” he says.

Eventually in 2020, he was excluded for poor academic performance and deemed medically unfit to continue with his studies. Dladla returned home to Mpumalanga, where he continued his medical treatments and slowly began regaining his sight. Determined to continue with his studies, he submitted proof of medical progress in 2021 and applied for readmission. He was accepted. The journey back to his studies wasn’t easy, but support from his faculty and the UP Access, Disability and Inclusion Services (ADIS) unit became a lifeline. 

“The most important thing was the time – the degree is very time-sensitive,” he says. “Everything from classes to clinical work moves quickly, so ADIS gave me the proper documentation to say that as long as I was able to bring the necessary medical documents, I shouldn’t be punished or penalised for missing classes. I was given extra time to cover my work.”

Dladla says this support allowed him to attend follow-up appointments, secure additional time for assessments and receive assistive equipment, including a new laptop with upgraded specifications. 

“That changed everything for me. I don’t think I would have made it without that type of service and support.” 

Beyond institutional support, Dladla also credits his peers and lecturers for helping him navigate the most difficult periods. He has completed his qualification and is currently completing his community service year in the Eastern Cape. 

“Working here has been a different experience to what I’m used to. It’s quite a rural area and comes with its own challenges, including in the hospital itself, and of course the community and the socio-economic conditions. But overall, I’m finding it to be quite a rewarding experience.” 

As someone who benefitted from the public health system, Dladla sees his current work as a full-circle moment. 

“If it wasn’t for the medical care I received in the public sector, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Being a patient at Steve Biko helped me so much; I know and understand the importance of quality public healthcare.”

Looking ahead at his own career, Dladla hopes to continue serving in the public sector while slowly working towards private practice. 

“Within a decade I hope to have my own practice, but I will continue working in the public sector.” 

His journey, he says, has taught him about timing, patience and perseverance. 

“Things not happening now doesn’t mean they’re not going to happen. It’s just a matter of you working through it and continuing working on your craft – eventually you will get to where you need to.”