Academic excellence has led to a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Bachelor of Business Science student earning top honours.
Yadiel Chatterpersad scooped two scholarships for being the top undergraduate student at UKZN.
He was awarded the Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship, an accolade awarded to the top-performing undergraduate student across campuses. Presently, the undergraduate student population stands at 30,000.
Double scholarship for top-performing student
His success went a step further with the bestowal of the Dr Townley Williams Scholarship. This accolade is awarded to the top undergraduate student embarking on their final year of studies.
“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 recognizing and affirming that effort,’ said Chatterpersad.
Chatterpersad’s rise to academic success was riddled with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did he conclude Grades 11 and 12 at Arena Park Secondary, in Chatsworth, during the pandemic, but his first year of studies at UKZN was undertaken 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,” said Chatterpersad.
He plans on pursuing a career in quantitative analysis based on his keen interest in data analysis and quantitative problem-solving.
Sporting accolade for engineering student
Another scholarship recipient at UKZN was Dhruv Heeralal, a Mechanical Engineering student who bagged the Prestige Sports Scholarship.
A karate exponent for 15 years, Heeralal was the youngest South African Protea Champion at age seven.
His success in the martial art has taken Heeralal to global destinations including Poland, India, Croatia, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, where he competed in championships.
He proved to be a resounding success in the 2025 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Championship. He earned the title champion after winning Gold for individual Kumite, Gold for team Kata, and Bronze for Individual Kata.
“This scholarship means dedication, commitment, and not giving up, believing in yourself…I look forward to greater successes and bringing honour to UKZN,” said Heeralal.
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