Wheels of purpose: A teacher’s victory over adversity

Zainab Slarmie, a passionate educator from Cape Town, embodies resilience and purpose. Significant personal challenges and triumphs have shaped her journey into education. As a child, Slarmie lived with selective mutism, which made verbal communication difficult. At the age of 13, she survived a serious car accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. Since then, she has used a wheelchair.

Zainab Slarmie

Despite these hardships, Slarmie remained committed to her education and self-development, culminating in graduating on 6 June 2025 with a Bachelor of Education Honours degree. She never allowed her circumstances to define her and managed to complete all her school years without repeating a grade, including Grade 8, which she completed after an extended hospital stay. She matriculated in 2014 and married in 2017.

A constant source of encouragement throughout her life and academic journey was her mother, who instilled in her the belief that she was destined to become an exceptional teacher. Although her mother has since passed away, her words and unwavering support continue to fuel Zainab’s drive, commitment and dedication.

One of the most defining moments in her academic journey came in 2021, when, shortly after giving birth and while still in recovery, she sat for one of her final Unisa examinations. This is a true testament to her determination and perseverance. Today, she proudly serves as a foundation phase teacher in a mainstream school, a role she fought hard to attain and one that remains rare for individuals who are differently abled like her.

Through her presence in the classroom, Slarmie is helping foster a generation of learners who value empathy, inclusion, and diversity. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation in education.

For Slarmie, teaching is far more than a profession. “It is a calling”, she says. Her desire to become an educator was born out of a deep yearning to be the teacher she never had: one who understands difference, offers compassion, and uplifts every learner. Her lived experiences, both in and outside the classroom, have fuelled her commitment to creating safe, inclusive learning environments where no child feels invisible or left behind.

Motivated by her mother’s encouragement and her own childhood experiences, Slarmie saw education as a path to empowerment. Her disability did not limit her; it strengthened her resolve to demonstrate what is possible. She believes in being a voice for those who feel voiceless and strives to show that challenges can be transformed into stepping stones toward success.

Slarmie credits Unisa for playing a crucial role in making her academic journey possible. The flexibility of distance learning allowed her to balance her responsibilities as a wife, mother, and individual living with a disability. Studying remotely gave her the freedom to manage her health while staying committed to her academic and life goals.

She says that even in the most difficult moments, including recovery from surgery and the demands of early motherhood, Unisa’s general student support structure and support from the College of Education enabled her to stay on course. ”I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn at my own pace and in a way that supported my unique circumstances,” she states.

Slarmie‘s message to aspiring students, especially those facing adversity, is one of hope and determination:

"No matter your circumstances, whether you're living with a disability, raising a family, or fighting silent battles, you are capable. Your journey may look different and take longer, but it is no less meaningful. There will be hard days, but don’t give up. Let your purpose drive you forward. Find strength in your support system, and above all, believe in yourself. You've got this."

* By Freddy Abilio Mlambo, Acting Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Education