Determined Milka overcomes the odds to graduate
RESILIENT: Milka Bazeka graduated with a Diploma in Human Resource Management.
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
For Milka Bazeka her graduation ceremony represents more than a celebration of academic achievement — it is the culmination of years of resilience, courage and unwavering determination.
The 24-year-old, who was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, doesn’t see her disability as a limitation.
“My motto in life is ‘to the best of my ability’. I always do everything to the best of my ability and whatever I’m able to do, I do it.
“I think of it as we all have disabilities, whether it's seen or unseen. There's something you can't do and there's something I cannot do. You shouldn’t put your whole life on hold just because you can't walk, you can't draw or you can't see clearly. So if you have an ambition, if you have goals to achieve, go for it and then every other thing will just fall into place.”
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Milka moved to South Africa at the age of six and was enrolled at the Eros School in Athlone.
She said her parents decided to send her to South Africa to ensure that she receives the best medical care and education.
“My parents are my role models. They invested what they had in me to get me to the best and the best that they could do was send me here and allow me to have the education that I have right now.”
After matriculating she enrolled for the Diploma in Human Resource Management at CPUT and followed the Extended Curriculum Programme. Inspired by her passion for inclusion and diversity, she saw human resources as a platform to make a meaningful impact.
She graduated during last night’s ceremony for the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences amid loud cheers from the audience.
Milka said the support she received from her lecturers and fellow students made a significant difference in her academic journey.
From recording lectures to assisting her before she received her electrical wheelchair, their willingness to adapt ensured she could fully participate in her studies.
“I also served as disability champion and participated in quality assurance programmes and I’ve been the class representative.”
Now, as she celebrates her graduation, the moment feels both surreal and deeply rewarding.
“I’m so excited because I didn’t really think it would be possible.”
She hopes to continue her studies and realise her next dream – becoming a lecturer.
Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za
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