Visionary alumna uses education to defeat the physical odds

A dedicated, persistent and self-driven Unisa alumna, Wilmarie Pekeur, asserts that when she lacked the resources and was not emotionally and physically fit to attend a residential university due to her visual impairment, Unisa’s accessible open and distance e-learning model made it possible for her to pursue her studies. Pekeur’s journey started in 2012 when she registered for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science under the university’s College of Human Sciences, which she completed in 2018. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies during Unisa’s 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremonies in Cape Town.

Wilmarie Pekeur

According to Pekeur, she had an astounding learning experience, and she learnt a lot about herself and her capabilities in the process. She states that she also realised her passion for academia, and her studies also made her socially, politically and economically aware of what was happening around her. Pekeur elaborates: “The field of communication and media studies enriched my understanding of how I communicated with myself and with others.” She adds: “As a visually challenged person, my passion for communication enables me to compensate for my physical challenge and reinforces me to become a good speaker.”

Pekeur says that she does not look down on herself and does not perceive herself as disabled. She further remarks: “The world is a survival of the fittest; I have to be strong, and being socially and politically aware also empowers me.” Furthermore, she says that she does not allow her physical disability to get in the way of achieving her dreams, and she does not want to be seen for her disability but for her contribution to society. “I would like to change the perception that society has about people with disabilities,” she remarks.

For Pekeur, studying through Unisa was affordable, easy and convenient, and she could juggle working and studying simultaneously. However, Pekeur acknowledges that studying online as a visually impaired student was not easy, but after disclosing her physical restrictions to Unisa, she received sufficient support through the institution’s Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD). She commends the centres’ staff, such as Vukati Ndlovu and Pintias Nkuna, for their effective communication with students and for ensuring they receive the necessary assistance.

“I would like to work at the South African Broadcasting Corporation and advocate for things I believe in. I am already freelancing at various newspaper publications,” states Pekeur. “Also,” she continues: “I wish to advocate for people with disabilities to secure employment as it is difficult getting employed despite possessing the necessary qualifications.”

Pekeur advises, especially students with disabilities, that the academic journey might be lonely, but they should remain strong, persistent and find people who can motivate and support them. She concludes: “I encourage you to be spiritually connected in order to get a source that is above you and that can strengthen you.”

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* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Programme Manager, Unisa Radio