By: Siqhamo Jama

For Tina Sisanda Bikitsha, graduating with a Master’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University is not simply an academic achievement but a triumph of love and resilience. As a mother to a non-verbal 10-year-old child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Tina’s research journey was highly personal, filled with moments of both emotional anguish and hope.

Her dissertation, which earned her a distinction, studied how parents in East London, Eastern Cape, use social media to connect, support one another, and advocate for their autistic children. “As a mother to an autistic child, my approach was rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges we face,” Tina explains. “I know what it means to feel isolated, to fight for support, and to navigate a system that isn’t always equipped to meet our children’s needs.”

While Tina predicted the emotional gravity of the research, she could not have predicted the toll it would take. Listening to the stories of other parents, stories marked by financial difficulty, social stigma, mental health struggles, and lack of access to adequate healthcare — brought her to tears often. “Yho! It was a lot to take in,” she recalls. “After one interview, I got into the car and just sobbed. I called my sister, but I could not even talk properly. I was really in a bad state.”

Despite the emotional strain, Tina was obligated to complete the work. “What kept me going was reminding myself that the research was not just for me. I needed to tell the lived experiences of many parents like me,” she says. “Hearing my participants’ stories made me realise how much we carry on our shoulders with little support from government or society, but still, we push forward and fight for our children.”

Tina’s study sheds light on significant cracks in South Africa’s support systems for families affected by ASD. She found that numerous parents lack access to psychiatrists, reliable information, and digital tools that could connect them to fundamental support networks. “I hope my research encourages policymakers and organisations to invest in digital literacy, mental health services, and inclusive healthcare and education systems,” she says.

Her academic success was made possible by her passion and perseverance but by the support of her supervisors. “Who wouldn’t graduate with Distinction when being supervised by the best — Dr Chikezie Uzuegbunam and Professor Lorenzo Dalvit?” she laughs. “And with participants who opened their hearts and shared their raw experiences, I had compelling data to work with.”

Tina’s graduation on the 4th of April during Autism Awareness Month carries immense symbolic weight. For her, walking across the stage was not just about receiving a degree. It was a recognition of every sleepless night, every emotional breakdown, every moment of self-doubt turned into resolve. “Graduating with Distinction feels like a victory not just for me but for every parent raising a child with autism. Our journey is difficult, but it is also filled with strength and resilience,” she reflects.

To fellow parents, her message is one of unwavering support. “Do not be afraid to pursue your goals, even if the path takes longer,” she says. “We are not defined by what society thinks we can or cannot do. We are defined by our love for our children, fight, and determination to create a better world for them.”

With her degree in hand, Tina hopes to continue amplifying the voices of parents and caregivers, using media as a tool for activism and inclusion. “Your story matters,” she urges. “Never be ashamed to share it. Make noise until you are heard.”

Tina Sisanda Bikitsha’s journey is a testament to true resilience, not the absence of struggle but the decision to keep going, speak, write, and fight, even when the odds are overwhelming.