Schwann Chavalala, from Tiyani Magoro village, overcame two open-heart surgeries, the loss of his father, and financial hardships to graduate with a BSc in physiotherapy from Stellenbosch University (SU) in December.
Inspired by his sister Tracy, a medical student, Chavalala decided to study physiotherapy after matriculating from Tiyani Secondary School in 2018. His passion for physiotherapy began while caring for his grandmother, who had Parkinson's disease, a progressive disorder affecting movement and mental health. "Physiotherapy is about helping patients regain their independence, and that's what I always wanted for her," he said.
Although his grandmother has passed on, Schwann honours her memory by treating every elderly patient with the same care he gave her. During his time at university, Chavalala faced significant financial challenges. Balancing his studies with small business ventures alongside his friend, Wandisile Fayindlala, was no easy feat.
"Not all our hustles succeeded; some ended in huge losses, but we kept pushing. Sometimes, we had to sacrifice study time to hunt for food, even during exams. But here we are. God is good," he said.
Despite these struggles, his family's unwavering support gave him the strength to persevere. "Losing my father taught me to move forward, but my own health struggles revealed the pain I still carried. Their faith in me helped me overcome it all," he said.
Chavalala encouraged other students facing personal and financial difficulties to keep pushing forward and seek help when needed. "Believe things will improve and work towards it. Help others, ask for help, and speak up. Where I come from, success isn't just yours; it belongs to everyone. When you fail, everyone feels it, and when you succeed, it's a win for the entire family."
He dedicated his degree to his siblings, his late father, mother, grandmother, and everyone who prayed for him or sacrificed for his success.
His senior lecturer, Leoné Williams, praised Chavalala's "never-say-die attitude," which helped him complete his clinical hours and graduate as a physiotherapist. "He worked out a plan of action, and with extra commitment and perseverance, he worked until mid-November to complete his clinical hours, enabling him to graduate," Williams said.