SHE became deaf at the age of seven, but this did not stop Dr Rinah Singo from breaking barriers and pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences in Hydrology and Water Resources at the University of Venda.
She graduated with her PhD in 2019.
She said if someone says pursuing a PhD is an unbearable task, they are telling the truth.
“A PhD study is emotionally, physically and mentally draining and if you are not strong and resilient, you might give up along the way. Especially if you are living with a disability,” she said.
Dr Rinah from Mukumbani Village outside Thohoyandou, Limpopo told Daily Sun she is living proof that if she can do it, everybody can.
She has shared her journey through her books, Disability Does Not Mean Inability and A Perseverance Journey, which she published shortly after completing her PhD.
Dr Rinah said A Perseverance Journey is a holistic, blow-by-blow narrative of her difficult journey while growing up with a disability, the challenges of pursuing a PhD and the difficulties she encountered in the workplace.
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“I explore my journey deeper of pursuing my PhD and offer insights to those who are hungry to pursue their PhD studies. The book isn’t just meant for those living with disabilities pursuing high levels of study, but it is also for individuals with a belief that something greater is meant for them.
“The books seek to showcase that no matter what situation you are in, whether you are living with a disability or are taking too long to reach your goals, perseverance will lead you to achievements,” she said.
