Disability is Not a Barrier

Growing up with a disability or in a difficult environment should not be a barrier for people to achieve their dreams, says wheelchair-bound Ms Zinhle Khumalo who graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management (HRM) with distinction.

Khumalo was previously awarded her Bachelor of Social Sciences summa cum laude.

At the age of five, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that caused her health to deteriorate and resulted in the permanent use of a wheelchair. She hopes her achievement will be an inspiration to all those living with a disability who want to achieve their dreams.

Raised by a single mother, Khumalo says she is grateful and blessed that she did not keep her behind closed doors, but treated her the same as her siblings and encouraged her to make the most of life.

‘What keeps me going is the support I get from my mother and siblings and the dream that one day, I can get us out of poverty. Living with a disability is complex and expensive. Every day, I have to face a new challenge, but I have managed to do well academically,’ she said.

‘Studying HRM gave me insights into human behaviour in organisational contexts. I can apply this understanding in HR roles and leadership positions where managing people and teams is crucial. HRM professionals must be adaptable and resilient, especially in dynamic environments where organisational restructuring, workforce diversity, and regulatory changes are the order of the day,’ she added.

Khumalo is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and has now set her sights on obtaining a master’s degree.

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga

Photograph: Supplied

Caption: Ms Zinhle Khumalo.

Published 9 May 2024