Hanover Park man overcomes adversity to earn law degree after shooting
Riyaadh Kader, who was paralysed after being shot at 13, has completed his LLB at the University of the Western Cape, choosing a path of purpose over revenge.
Image: Supplied/ UWC
A Hanover Park man who was paralysed after being shot in a crossfire as a child has completed his law degree, choosing a path of purpose over revenge.
Riyaadh Kader, now an LLB graduate of the University of the Western Cape, was just 13 when he was shot in 2011, leaving him paralysed.
More than a decade later, he has completed his Bachelor of Law, with his graduation taking place this week, a milestone he describes as deeply meaningful.
“I am just a humble boy from the Cape Flats,” he said.
“My journey started bitter, but it has been filled with so many meaningful moments.”
While many assume his decision to study law was shaped by anger over the shooting, Kader said that could not be further from the truth.
“People think I wanted revenge, but that is not the case,” he said.
“I chose law because I want to serve society, to help people access justice and to contribute to equality and fairness.”
He said his motivation was rooted in a desire to make a difference, particularly for communities where access to justice often feels out of reach.
“This was never just for me. It was for my community, for people who feel like hope is out of reach.”
Kader’s journey to university was not without obstacles.
After applying only for an LLB, his application was initially not captured, and both law programmes were already full.
“I told myself if I don’t get into law, that’s the end of my studies,” he said.
With the intervention of the faculty, he was eventually admitted.
“That was the start of a beautiful journey,” he said.
His studies came with significant challenges, from adjusting to campus life to navigating accessibility barriers and managing a demanding academic workload.
He also endured personal loss, including the deaths of close family members during exam periods.
Through it all, he credits his faith, resilience and support systems for helping him persevere.
“I reminded myself that I chose this path, and I was going to finish, no matter what,” he said.
Now a graduate, Kader hopes his journey can inspire others facing adversity.
“Being in a wheelchair and achieving this is not something you see every day, but it shows that anything is possible,” he said.
“After every difficulty, there is relief. You are capable of achieving great things.”
As he looks ahead, Kader is seeking an opportunity to complete his articles at a law firm, with the aim of continuing his mission to serve others.
“I just want to be of service and inspire the world,” he said.