Loraine Phiri
Disability rights advocate Tsepang Nare has shared a powerful story of resilience, detailing a journey marked by repeated setbacks and triumphs that culminated in his graduation from Midlands State University with 20 distinctions.
In a Facebook post titled “From Resilience to Stepping onto a Future of Possibilities: The Long Walk to Victory,” Nare described his relentless pursuit of education despite physical, financial, and institutional challenges.
Quoting motivational writer Napoleon Hill, “Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting.” Nare wrote, “This quote directly speaks to my undying spirit to conquer once I set my mind onto something. Until I achieve, there is no Uhuru moment because my target and my desire has always been to rise beyond and above expectations.”
Nare explained that his transition from business into civic work in 2019 opened his eyes to the lack of disability inclusion in governance. “It became crystal clear to me that I had to position myself as an expert in both disability and local governance issues. The overall goal was to change the face of the community I belong to,” he wrote.
The activist recalled how his academic journey began with excitement but was soon marked by frustration. After enrolling in 2021, he faced repeated cancellations because his block-release class failed to meet the minimum number of students.“The pain of missing yet another semester was unbearable,” he said, adding that he eventually registered as a conventional student to continue learning.
In 2022, he had to defer a semester to catch up with classmates, and in 2023, a new modular system increased travel and examination costs. “This meant frequenting the university time and again to attend lectures and sit for exams, thereby increasing costs associated with traveling, food and accommodating my assistant,” Nare explained.
His physical mobility was also severely tested when his electric wheelchair, used for eight years, broke down beyond repair.“A wheelchair offers wheels of convenience; without it, you remain stuck and vulnerable,” he wrote. “I remember I spent five days in my room confined in that small space. As others went to lecture rooms, I had to connect online, at times, the network would trip, affecting the flow of the lecture. On the actual day of my assessment, I was using a makeshift wheelchair.”He credits Dr Leon Poshai and the MSU Department of Governance and Public Management for their support during this period.
Later that same year, a break-in at his room led to the theft of his laptop, tablet, and other valuables. “This meant I would have to write my dissertation using my mobile phone as I had no computer to use,” he shared.Despite the hardships, Nare said the challenges only strengthened his resolve. “Though I faced numerous setbacks, it ignited my resolve to rise to the challenge and never betray my mission but fulfill it and see all pieces coming together,” said Nare.
He expressed gratitude to his small but dedicated study group, saying: “One key highlight was the study group I was part of, just three gentlemen all of whom were way older than me but so determined and pushed by the circumstances and desire to make a mark. Had it not been for Wellington Chamboko and Munyaradzi Madzimure, I wouldn’t have reached this far.”
Now armed with his degree and a record of 20 distinctions, Nare declared his readiness to drive change. “I leave the institution highly informed, motivated to influence radical transformation and ready to stand up and be counted. With a clear mission and tools to cultivate it till it is realised, no obstacle is a deterrent, but rather, it is an ignition of one’s drive.”
His story, told in his own words, stands as a testament to the power of perseverance. “There is no greater satisfaction other than surpassing your own targets and doing that which you never imagined you could do,” he concluded.
