Azraa Ebrahim and Professor Matshepo Matoane – Dean in the School of Social Sciences
Image: Supplied
Amid the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, Azraa Ebrahim began a university journey unlike most — navigating the challenges of online learning as a blind student.
This remarkable path culminated in her graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Science degree, majoring in Religion Studies and Industrial Psychology, and earning a staggering 14 distinctions.
With determination and resilience, Ms Ebrahim embraced assistive technologies such as screen readers and used a white cane to transition from remote learning to in-person classes. She credits her success to the unwavering support of her parents, peers, lecturers, and the University’s Disability Support Unit.
Despite the barriers, Ms Ebrahim’s academic brilliance extended well beyond the lecture hall. She presented the Best Student Paper at the ASRSA Conference 2024, which was later selected for publication in the Journal of Islamic Studies. She also spoke at the TIP Eid-ul-Adha Eidgah, candidly addressing the discrimination she has faced as a blind individual.
Collaborating with Dr Cherry Muslim and Mr Chukwudera Nwodo, she also won Best Paper in her session at the AMS Colloquium 2024.
“To ensure I was personally competent, I would begin exam and test preparation a month in advance to account for my slow reading pace,” Ms Ebrahim shared. “Despite my initial challenges, I am immensely grateful for the relationships I’ve built, the knowledge I’ve gained and the friends I’ve made along the way.”
Ebrahim, now an NRF Honours Scholarship recipient, is pursuing an Honours degree in Religion and Social Transformation. Under the mentorship of Dr Muslim, her research focuses on women-led khutbah (sermons) in Islam and is rooted in activism and academic inclusivity. “I aspire to be a scholar of Islam,” she said, “and endeavour to enter academia to pedestalise research on disability from a differently abled positionality.”
Balancing her studies with family life was no small feat. She carefully structured her time to accommodate both academic and personal responsibilities. Practising karate provided a healthy outlet to manage stress. “My parents were my constant reminders to rest, eat, and protect my eyes from strain,” she said.
Her message to other students, especially those who are differently abled, is bold and empowering: “Wear your disability with a badge of pride. Do not look upon it with disgrace, nor attempt to conceal it from societal scrutiny… Our disabilities are part of who we are — but they do not define us entirely.”
Ms Ebrahim recognises the broader significance of her achievement. “Within Muslim communities, it is an uncommon reality for a differently abled Muslim woman to attend university — let alone graduate cum laude,” she noted. “While three years of dedication and determination preceded this moment, I take equal joy in the journey that brought me here.”
She expressed deep gratitude to her family, friends, and especially her late grandfather, whose memory continues to inspire her. “To my supervisor and mentor, Dr Cherry Muslim, whose immense belief in me warrants more recognition than I could ever express — thank you.”