Against all odds: Stellenbosch graduate triumphs over trauma and loss

Amogelang Moagi refused to let trauma, surgery and the loss of her mother derail her dream of graduating.

The occupational therapy student, from Klipgat in North West, received her bachelor’s degree at Stellenbosch University’s December graduation ceremony on December 11, after a final year marked by a traumatic assault, hip surgery and profound personal loss.

“A hip of steel and a heart of steel.” That is how her lecturer, Dr Susan de Klerk, describes her — words that capture Moagi’s resilience during one of the most difficult periods of her life.

Recovering on crutches after hip surgery while completing an academically demanding final year, Moagi said the experience was overwhelming both physically and emotionally.

“Every step with those crutches reminded me of what had happened. I had to wake up each day and remind myself that despite everything, I was strong – and that I would make it to the end successfully,” she said.

She said she became hypervigilant after the assault, carefully managing her routine to protect her healing. “I had to create a rhythm that protected my healing: resting between classes, slowing down, and allowing myself to rely on others without guilt.”

Her journey became even harder when her mother died during her final year — a loss Moagi describes as devastating.

“My mother was my biggest supporter, and her greatest dream was to see me graduate,” she said. “Knowing she believed in me, right until her last breath, became my guiding light.”

Her mother’s words, “don’t let anything happening at home affect your studies”, became her anchor. “These words were her blessing. They reminded me that she wanted my future to be bigger than my pain.”

Moagi dedicated her degree to her mother, saying graduation became “a promise I made to her, and to myself”.

She credits her faith with carrying her through her darkest moments. “On days when I felt empty, prayer carried me… Faith reminded me that my story is guided, protected, and far bigger than the pain I’ve lived through.”

Moagi also paid tribute to the support she received from friends, classmates, lecturers and the university.

“My support system was incredibly strong,” she said, describing how friends helped her dress, bathe, prepare food and get to class. “They were my biggest hype men; on the day I finally walked without crutches, they celebrated loudly even though I was still limping.”

She praised the Division of Occupational Therapy and the Centre for Student Counselling and Development for their ongoing support, particularly during court proceedings and after her mother’s passing.

Looking back, Moagi said she refuses to see herself as a victim. “I am not a victim of what happened to me. I am a testament to healing, strength, and transformation.”

She believes her experiences will shape the kind of occupational therapist she becomes. “I want to be the kind of occupational therapist who sees the whole person, not just their diagnosis.”

Her message to other students facing trauma or grief is one of quiet perseverance. “You can carry your wounds and still walk toward your future… You are allowed to rebuild gently.”

Next year, Moagi will complete her community service at Potchefstroom Hospital.

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