Triumph Over Adversity as Blind Cricketer Graduates

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South African Blind Cricketer, Mr Jackson Make, graduated with his Bachelor of Social Science degree. He described his graduation as one of his greatest achievements thus far.

Make was part of the South African squad that participated in the 40-over Blind Cricket World Cup in Cape Town in 2014 and in the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in India in 2012.

He was nominated by the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union as the Blind Cricketer of the Year in 2014. 

Blind cricket is played with a plastic ball with bearings inside that make a sound when played. The stumps are constructed of metal and make a clanging sound when hit. 

‘I am totally blind but I’m good at fielding and bowling. I rely totally on the sound that the ball makes,’ he said. Make, who attended a school for the blind in the Free State, hopes to be an inspiration to other blind and partially-sighted students. 

He also plans to pursue postgraduate studies in the future and to continue to excel in cricket.

Make advised other students to never give up and follow their dreams.

Words: Melissa Mungroo

Photograph: Rogan Ward