My name is Sergio, and I am a student at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). I am blind and also live with epilepsy and severe anxiety. Throughout my academic journey at Wits, I have faced numerous obstacles that have hindered my ability to obtain a fair education, but none have been as debilitating as the current battle I face.

I am fighting for my right to an education without sacrificing my health. The university's current examination procedures are not accessible for someone like me. They force me to engage in methods that could trigger my epilepsy and exacerbate my severe anxiety, causing significant distress and trauma. An oral exam is not a privilege or an advantage—it is my only means of being assessed fairly and safely. I am not asking for preferential treatment; I am asking for an opportunity to demonstrate my knowledge on an equal footing with other students. This is about protecting my dignity, mental health, and future.

Despite the university's commitments to inclusivity and diversity, I have been consistently denied the reasonable accommodations assured by our constitutional rights. The South African Constitution guarantees every student's right to an education, and reasonable accommodations should be made to ensure this right is protected. Other institutions have set precedents for providing accessible examination formats for students with disabilities, proving that it is both feasible and necessary.

Wits University must act and set a leading example for inclusivity in education by making oral exams a standard option for students whose disabilities make traditional exam formats impractical. By doing so, Wits would not only uphold its moral and legal obligations but also contribute to a more equitable educational environment for all students.

I urge Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, the Wits University Council, and the Humanities Faculty Executive to take immediate action. It is essential to demonstrate that Wits is an institution that truly values all its students and their diverse needs. Stand with me to advocate for a fair chance at education for those like myself, who face exceptional challenges in their pursuit of knowledge.

Please sign this petition to support the call for reasonable exam accommodations for students at Wits, and help ensure that a fair and accessible education is a reality for everyone.