Karate Champ Adds Sports Scholarship to List of Accolades

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Mechanical Engineering student and UKZN Sports Scholarship winner, Mr Dhruv Heeralal has honed his karate skills for 15 years - at the age of seven he was the Youngest South African Protea Champion - and is now putting his skills to work in his studies and giving back to his community.

Heeralal thanked UKZN for awarding him the scholarship that has relieved the pressure of tuition fees, and said he relished the chance to compete for the University and win honours for the Institution.

First inspired by watching Bruce Lee movies and his older brother Hemal’s karate escapades, Heeralal was motivated to follow in his brother’s footsteps.

Participating in the sport has taught Heeralal about sincerity, humility, respect and discipline, and developed his character and encouraged good choices. He is currently graded second Dan black belt and has enjoyed the opportunities karate has provided for travelling the world and encountering diverse people and cultures.

Heeralal has represented South Africa at karate championships in Poland, India, Croatia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and Morocco. He is a Karate Commonwealth Champion, and won double gold for both disciplines of Kata and Kumite when competing in the Region Five Championships. He is also the 2025 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Champion, winning Gold for individual Kumite, Gold for Team Kata, and Bronze for Individual Kata.

He was attracted to studying Mechanical Engineering thanks to its potential to benefit society, as well as technological and scientific discoveries that piqued his curiosity. Heeralal enjoys the programme as he appreciates finding solutions to challenges through creative thinking.

With an older sibling - also a karate champion - already at UKZN and being a family-oriented person who wants to stay close to home, UKZN was a natural choice for him. He has found the experience of studying at the University smooth and has enjoyed navigating new academic experiences and developing new life skills. The Institution’s accessible study facilities and the mentorship and guidance from academic staff have provided the ideal environment for Heeralal to excel. He hopes to progress to master’s level studies.

Outside of academics, Heeralal hosts voluntary self-defence karate workshops and assists with feeding schemes, along with his brother. He is an active member of the UKZN Hindu Society and the Maritzburg College Old Boys’ Hindu Society. He also participates in Bollywood and hip-hop dance, performing at events and functions.

After completing his studies, Heeralal hopes to explore entrepreneurial ventures and become the CEO of his own company. He also plans to travel and continue giving back to his community.

He found the USSA Games 2025 a competitive and challenging experience, but a positive mindset and mentorship from the USSA 2025 Team and Management resulted in a victorious all-round win, placing UKZN in the top three in South Africa.

“This scholarship means dedication, commitment and not giving up; believing in yourself,” said Heeralal.

He thanked God for the blessing of his supportive parents and his brother, who he calls his hero, motivation, and inspiration. He thanked the UKZN Sports Executive and Union Team, the USSA Executive Team, and his USSA Sports Team for their support and positivity on his journey.

“I look forward to greater successes with everyone and bringing honour to UKZN,” added Heeralal.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu