No mountain too high

When Sydney Motene sets his mind on a goal, he will do whatever it takes to achieve it — even lobby the government. 

His perserverance, in particular his insistence on his right to education, has served him well in a society where people with disabilities are still disadvantaged. 

By pursuing education, Motene also tested South Africa’s education policy on inclusion. The policy has been hailed as world class, but Motene’s story illustrates that it is up to individuals to claim its benefits.

Motene was born 25 years ago in Tembisa on Gauteng’s East Rand. His parents found out from his teachers that the right side of his body was defective. At the time he was a grade seven learner at Tshepisa Primary School. He probably would have coped, but he was hit by a car, severely hurting his nerves and leaving him almost paralysed.

Although he healed physically, Motene subsequently struggled academically and had to repeat grades. As a result, schools started to refuse him entry because he was considered “over-age” for primary school.

In 1999, at the age of 17, Madibatlou Combined School in Olifantsfontein, Midrand, accepted him, allowing him to finish grade nine by 2002. 

In the meantime, his father, Reuben, exhausted his medical aid benefits trying to get the right specialists to attend to his son’s situation. They all failed to help him. 

Motene refused to accept that he could not continue his education after completing grade nine. So he decided to write to the then minister of education, Kader Asmal. 

“Why can I not have the same opportunities as other people?” he wrote. 

He highlighted the difficulties he encountered in trying to find a school where he could further his studies. Motene said the letter was a last-ditch effort. He had already tried writing and phoning several provincial education officials, with no response. 

Asmal was touched and, with some officials in his department, responded to Motene’s request. In 2004 a bursary was secured for him at Tshwane North Further Education and Training (FET) College in Pretoria where, for four years, he attended grade 12, studying subjects such as business studies, marketing and computer practices. He excelled in art, painting in particular, which is his passion. 

Asmal also helped Motene to access a transport grant from the department of labour for the duration of his studies. He donated a computer, which Motene still uses today. In a special tribute to Asmal, Motene plans to paint a portrait of the former minister.
 
The Tshwane North FET College helped Motene to put his profile on the internet to highlight his plight. He was invited to join a University of Pretoria-based brain-injury group which helps students with similar challenges. Motene says belonging to the group was a rewarding experience. He gained confidence and counselling skills.

“I have so far counselled two learners who had lost hope about furthering their studies. One of them went home and literally packed his bag and went back to school,” said Motene.

Motene now works in the customer service division of a major clothing retailer. When he is not at work he still paints. The lounge and dining rooms of his parents’ house are adorned with a range of his artwork. 

But his biggest hurdle is transport. “I am not able to take part in competitions or exhibitions because I cannot carry all my work on my own. I need a car to take my materials to various destinations,” he says.
 
Motene’s plight reflects a bigger problem that other disabled people experience. Public transport does not cater for people with disabilities. But with his drive and determination, he can find a solution to any obstacle he faces.

And what goal does he want to achieve? He is unequivocal. He wants to continue studying art.