BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Pupils with disabilities have triumphantly defied the odds to emerge as some of the top achievers in their Form Five examinations across the nation.
Phetsile Nyatabo, 18, from Mbasheni in the northern Hhohho Region, and Khuzulwandle Gama, 23, from KaKhoza in Manzini, have demonstrated that disability does not equate to inability. Both students sat for the Eswatini General Certificate in Secondary Education (EGCSE) last year and successfully passed their examinations. Gama wants to be a teacher, while Nyatabo wants to be a doctor.
On March 5, 2025, the two pupils were celebrated at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Offices (DPMO) in Mbabane. The historic ceremony was attended by Nyatabo’s father, Sibusiso Nyatabo, 65, Gama’s mother, Sayinile Sikhondze, 50, as well as the head teachers of their respective schools, Portia Shabangu from Timphisini High School and Andreas Thwala from St Joseph’s High School.
Gama achieved an impressive A* in Business Studies, while Phetsile Nyatabo earned four B’s and three C’s. The event, which also saw the presence of key stakeholders including Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo, FODSWA representative Grace Bhembe, UNESCO Secretary General Lwandle Simelane, and Dr Ngcebo Mbuli, Chairperson of the National Disability Advisory Council, aimed to highlight the students’ remarkable achievements and inspire others.
Shabangu expressed her gratitude to the Deputy Prime Minister for honouring Phetsile, acknowledging the challenges faced and praising her resilience, as well as the unwavering support from her parents. Thwala, in turn, thanked the Ministry of Education for providing essential assistive devices, particularly noting Khuzulwandle’s success in subjects such as ICT and Biology, where he excelled beyond even his able-bodied peers.
Minister Nxumalo commended the collaborative efforts and pledged an increased focus on disability inclusivity. He announced the provision of 1 000 computers for innovation across both schools, along with gadgets for students who had dropped out due to disability.
Her Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated all involved, including the Ministry of Education, parents, and schools, and called for greater government and parliamentary recognition of persons with disabilities. She revealed plans for a disability-friendly hostel at St Joseph’s High School, with a budget of E6.6 million, emphasising the importance of accessible education for all children.
Furthermore, she proposed a mini Indaba to address the challenges faced by disabled persons and expressed appreciation for the former Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku’s recognition of Dr Mbuli as Disability Council Chairperson. Additionally, she announced that a musical festival would be held.
All speakers at the event expressed their delight at the resilience displayed by the pupils. They urged the government to continue supporting individuals with disabilities and encouraged other parents to advocate for educational access for their children with disabilities.
The parents of the pupils were commended for their steadfast support throughout their children’s educational journeys, hailed as pivotal figures in enabling their children to achieve such commendable results. In an interview, the parents also shared their happiness and wished the best for their children in their academic studies in future.
Sikhondze shared that she had been raising her child, Khuzulwandle, as a single parent, since his father died. She thanked His Majesty’s Government for the support it gave to her child and also thanked the teachers for supporting his son at school. Nyatabo, on the other hand, thanked His Majesty the King for encouraging Government to take care of the people with disability, including his daughter.
Nyatabo said his daughter would be sick and had to be transported to South Africa through Phalala Fund and she would be away for a term, only for her to return to be a top achiever. He pointed out that he would consult extensively with the Timphisini High School teachers, especially the head teacher. He further pleaded for more support so that her child could achieve her dreams in future.
