A hip and heart of steel: Amogelang Moagi's triumph over trauma at Stellenbosch University"

Despite enduring a traumatic assault requiring hip surgery and the devastating loss of her mother in her final year, Amogelang Moagi graduated with her bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Stellenbosch University, demonstrating remarkable courage and determination throughout her academic journey."A hip of steel and a heart of steel."

Those words from Dr Susan de Klerk, lecturer at Stellenbosch University (SU), perfectly capture the essence of Amogelang Moagi. The young woman from Klipgat in North West Province has overcome extraordinary challenges to complete her bachelor's degree in occupational therapy, culminating in her graduation on Thursday (11 December 2023) at SU's December ceremony.

Moagi's journey epitomises resilience in the face of devastating circumstances. Recovering on crutches after hip surgery following a traumatic assault whilst simultaneously navigating the profound grief of losing her mother, she faced these immense physical and emotional challenges during her academically demanding final year.

"Every step with those crutches reminded me of what had happened," Moagi reflects. "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.

The trauma left deeper scars than just physical ones.

"Emotionally, I became hyper vigilant – avoiding certain spaces and people to prevent being triggered. I had to create a rhythm that protected my healing: resting between classes, slowing down, and allowing myself to rely on others without guilt."

Guided by a mother's love

The loss of her mother during her final year proved particularly devastating for Moagi.

"My mother was my biggest supporter, and her greatest dream was to see me graduate. This dream pushed me forward. Knowing she believed in me – right until her last breath – became my guiding light," she explained.

Her mother's parting wisdom became Moagi's anchor: "Don't let anything happening at home affect your studies." These words transformed into something sacred.

"They reminded me that she wanted my future to be bigger than my pain. I worked with her voice in my heart, and it carried me through the darkest moments.

"With remarkable determination, Moagi refused to surrender to trauma, fear or pain. Instead, she chose to rise again with each setback, moving forward deliberately – even if slowly or tearfully."Continuing with my studies became my way of honouring my mother and carrying her dream forward," she says.

Faith and community support

Moagi credits her faith as a crucial element in her journey. "On days when I felt empty, prayer carried me. On days when I felt alone, I felt my mother and my ancestors walking beside me. Faith reminded me that my story is guided, protected, and far bigger than the pain I've lived through."

The support from her community at Stellenbosch University proved invaluable. "My support system was incredibly strong. I was dependent on my mates in my residence for simple tasks like dressing, bathing, and preparing food. My friends fetched me every day, carried my bags, and walked me to class."

Fellow students in the occupational therapy programme provided particularly appropriate assistance. "

"Two of my closest friends were fellow classmates, and they supported me using the same principles we learn in occupational therapy – encouraging independence while assisting where needed.

"The Division of Occupational Therapy rallied around her from the moment of her injury. "Lecturers and staff visited me, brought gifts, checked on me, and made sure I always felt held," Moagi explains.

"Dr Susan de Klerk and Karen Ferreira, in particular, walked closely with me, but honestly, the whole Division showed up until the last day – and those relationships extended far beyond academics."Moagi also accessed professional support through the Centre for Student Counselling and Development, particularly during difficult periods surrounding court hearings and her mother's passing.

From adversity to growth

Looking back on her challenging final year, Moagi expresses pride in her accomplishment – not just academically, but in her personal resilience.

"I am not a victim of what happened to me. I am a testament to healing, strength, and transformation. Walking across the stage at graduation means I am leaving behind the belief that my experiences were barriers and stepping forward knowing they became the very foundation of my growth."

Her experiences have profoundly influenced her professional outlook.

"My experiences have made me more empathetic, more patient, and more attuned to hidden pain. I want to be the kind of occupational therapist who sees the whole person, not just their diagnosis, and who understands that resilience looks different for everyone."

For other students facing trauma, grief or overwhelming challenges, Moagi offers powerful encouragement: "I hope they know that their pain does not disqualify them from rising. Healing isn't linear, and strength doesn't always look loud – sometimes it's just choosing to try again tomorrow. It's okay to lean on others, to rest, to cry, and to move slowly. What matters is that you don't let your challenges convince you that you're unworthy of your goals."

In 2024, Moagi will begin the next chapter of her journey, undertaking her community service at Potchefstroom Hospital – carrying forward both her professional skills and the profound wisdom earned through overcoming extraordinary adversity.