Blind Student’s Cum Laude Achievement Redefines Academic Excellence

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A university journey that commenced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has culminated in Ms Azraa Ebrahim graduating with her Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Religion Studies and Industrial Psychology cum laude and with 14 distinctions.

Navigating this path online, coupled with being blind, made familiarising herself with virtual platforms significantly more challenging.

Supported by her parents, peers, lecturers, and the University’s Disability Support Unit, Ebrahim successfully transitioned from online to in-person learning by using a white cane and assistive technologies such as screen readers.

Her academic excellence shone beyond the classroom. She presented a paper at the Association for the Study of Religion in Southern Africa (ASRSA) Conference 2024, winning Best Student Paper, and she has been invited to publish her paper in the Journal for Islamic Studies. She also delivered a sermon at Taking Islam to the People (TIP) Eid-ul-Adha Eidgah, where she shared her experiences of discrimination growing up with blindness. In collaboration with her supervisor and mentor, Dr Cherry Muslim and Mr Chukwudera Nwodo, she presented at the Academic Monitoring and Support (AMS) Colloquium 2024, winning Best Paper in her concurrent session.

Ebrahim noted: ‘To ensure I was personally competent, I would begin exam and test preparation a month in advance to account for my slow reading pace. Despite my initial challenges, I am immensely grateful for the relationships that I have built, the knowledge gained, and the friends I have made along the way.’

As a National Research Foundation Honours Scholarship grant holder, Ebrahim is currently pursuing an honours degree in Religion and Social Transformation. Her research is rooted in activism and focuses on the liminal space of women-led khutbah (sermons) in Islam. ‘I aspire to be a scholar of Islam and endeavour to eventually enter academia, in order to pedestalise research on disability from a differently abled positionality,’ she said.

During exam season, Ebrahim often struggled to balance academic and family commitments due to the additional effort required. She carefully planned her time, setting aside space for family events and visiting loved ones. Karate served as a healthy outlet to relieve stress and prevent burnout. She credits her family - especially her parents - for reminding her to rest, eat, and protect her eyes from strain.

Ebrahim offered this advice to students, especially those differently abled: ‘Wear your disability with a badge of pride. Do not look upon it with disgrace, nor attempt to conceal it from societal scrutiny.’ Disability is often painted as a societal afterthought, but it is important to remember that while our disabilities are integral to who we are, they do not define us entirely. In a world engulfed by discrimination, stigma, and alienation, we must celebrate our uniqueness and challenge socially constructed ways of being.’

She celebrates her graduation as a moment of triumph, noting that: ‘Within Muslim communities, it is an uncommon reality for a differently abled Muslim woman to attend university - let alone graduate cum laude.’

‘While three years of dedication and determination preceded this moment, I take equal joy in the journey that brought me here,’ she reflected.

Ebrahim expressed heartfelt gratitude to her parents, family, and friends for their unwavering support. ‘To my grandfather, who passed away in 2022 - I let your wisdom and memories guide me always. I am immensely appreciative of my supervisor and mentor, Dr Cherry Muslim, whose immense belief in me warrants more recognition and admiration than I could ever express.’

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Itumeleng Masa