The blind South African Paralympic and World Championship medal winner in swimming, Hendri Herbst, is receiving his LLM (Master of Law) degree at the sixth graduation ceremony of Stellenbosch University (SU) on Friday (5 April).

Originally from Letsitele close to Tzaneen in Limpopo and now living in Stellenbosch, Herbst managed to obtain his master's degree despite many challenges ranging from swimming practices, master's degree research to visual impairment.

The year 2018 was more difficult than the previous year, he says. He struggled to find a balance between his studies and swimming practices, but with perseverance, he pulled through.

“I adapted to the workload and I actually enjoyed the year. I must say, the academic work received a bit more of my time than the swimming," says Hendri, who does not even consider taking a break before commencing with his doctoral studies.

“I am going straight on to the doctoral studies. I must keep on going while I am in motion," he says like a true champion who does not want to lose motion in a swimming pool.

Herbst was also offered the opportunity to apply for a joint PhD degree between Stellenbosch and Hasselt University in Belgium through the SU International Office. As soon as funding has been finalised, he will commence with his studies. With this joint studies he will spend three months per year in Hasselt.

 Herbst was also in the news last year when he won a discrimination case against a restaurant where his previous guide dog, Stan, had been refused entry. This happened when Hendri and his family visited the restaurant in December 2014. Stan died of cancer in December 2017.

 The Equality Court ordered a settlement between Hendri and the restaurant owner. They paid R50 000 in damages to Herbst and had to make a R50 000 donation to the Guide Dogs Association.

“I am satisfied with the outcome of the court case. I hear some restaurants changed their signage and have new notices stating 'no animals, except guide dogs'."

His new dog, Julian, is growing more and more attached to Hendri, and they are seen together all the time. Julian will even go up the podium with Hendri when his degree is bestowed upon him on Friday.

“This young dog is doing well. I spoil him a bit; he is even sleeping in my room on my bed."

Hendri is presently training for the IPC World Championship in August this year. He will compete in the 50 m and 100 m freestyle items.

• Herbst won bronze at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London and gold and silver at the 2016 European Champs.
• He was born partially blind due to vitreous hyperplasia and secondary glaucoma. Over the years he has lost the rest of his vision.
• Hendri was only six weeks old when his parents enrolled him for a drown-proof course as a precaution for his poor eyesight. His love for swimming started then.
  
  Main picture: Hendri Herbst on stage receiving his degree. Photo: Stefan Els
  Picture : Hendri sits with Julian his guide dog. Photo: Sandra Mulder