Top-Performing Student Earns Double Scholarships

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A top-performing Bachelor of Business Science student majoring in Investment Science, Mr Yadiel Chatterpersad, was awarded two of UKZN’s undergraduate scholarships in recognition of his outstanding academic performance.

Chatterpersad was named the recipient of the Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship, awarded annually to the highest-performing undergraduate student across all five campuses of the University, an honour which spans a student population of over 30 000. 

In addition to this remarkable achievement, he earned the Dr Townley Williams Scholarship, which recognises the top-performing student entering the final year of their first undergraduate degree. Together, these accolades mark a significant milestone in Chatterpersad’s academic journey.

“These scholarships mean so much to me. They stand as a testament to the hard work and passion I have poured into my studies, and I am truly grateful to the University for recognising and affirming that effort,” he said.

Chatterpersad’s academic success has not come without challenges. Completing Grade 11 and 12 under the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic meant adapting to online learning with limited access to structured classroom engagement. This continued into his first year of university, which was also held entirely online.

“The lack of a contact-learning environment made it more difficult to absorb complex concepts, especially in a field as analytical as mine. I had to work twice as hard to ensure that I was mastering the material, throughout that time, my family played a critical role in motivating and supporting me. Their encouragement was invaluable,” he explained.

A former learner of Arena Park Secondary School in Chatsworth, Durban, Chatterpersad has long demonstrated a keen interest in data analysis and quantitative problem-solving. 

He initially enrolled as a Finance and Economics major but made the decision early in his degree to switch to Statistics after excelling in his Mathematics modules.

“Switching to Statistics was one of the best academic decisions I’ve made, I even enrolled in an additional Mathematics module in my third year, and the insights I gained from it have been instrumental in sharpening my analytical thinking,” he explained. 

Chatterpersad now plans to enter the field of quantitative analysis, where he hopes to apply financial, mathematical, and statistical principles to solve complex data-driven problems. He views his degree as the ideal foundation to bridge the gap between these three rigorous disciplines.

His parents, who have witnessed his growth and dedication over the years, expressed deep pride: “Yadiel is the younger of our two sons. We are extremely proud and humbled by his achievements. We have seen him sacrifice a lot for his degree, and it has been a blessing to see his sacrifices truly and wonderfully pay off.”

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu