Riyaadh Kader, a young man from the Cape Flats, has defied the odds to graduate with an LLB from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). At just 13 years old, Kader was left paralysed after a shooting in Hanover Park, but he has since turned his life around to become a determined and passionate individual.
From Tragedy to Triumph
Kader’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. Despite the challenges he faced, he chose to pursue a career in law, driven by a desire to serve society and contribute to equality and fairness. As he explained, his experience could have shaped him differently, but instead, it pushed him towards something bigger.
According to the Western Cape Government, the province has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the country, with many communities struggling to access justice and basic services. Kader’s decision to study law was motivated by a desire to make a positive impact in his community and to help people access justice.
Overcoming Obstacles
Kader’s path to graduation was not without its challenges. After matric, he applied to study LLB, but was initially told that his application had not been captured. However, through the intervention of faculty members, he was eventually admitted into the five-year programme. He also faced accessibility issues on campus, but with the support of the university’s Office for Students with Disabilities (OSwD), he was able to navigate the academic workload and participate fully in university life.
Some of the key challenges Kader faced included:
- Adjusting to independent living on campus
- Navigating an academic workload far more demanding than anything he had experienced before
- Accessing lecture venues and academic spaces
Despite these challenges, Kader persevered and became actively involved in the OSwD community, serving as a student assistant and building strong relationships with staff and fellow students.
As UNESCO notes, education is a fundamental human right, and it is essential that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
