How Amanat Vajeth achieved academic excellence despite his visual impairment

DESPITE having only 20% vision in his right eye and losing his father at age 12, Phoenix teenager Amanat Vajeth defied the odds by achieving seven distinctions in his matric exams with an 89.5% aggregate.

His inspiring journey showcases remarkable determination and resilience.

His subjects included English, Afrikaans, accounting, business studies, economics, mathematics and life orientation.

Amanat, 18, who attended Stanmore Secondary School, said from a young age he remembered being a determined child, always striving academically, despite the challenges. 

“I have a defective right eye. At four-years-old my parents found out I had only 20% vision in my right eye. It made learning incredibly difficult throughout the years. However, while my eyesight may be permanently damaged, I choose to view it as a reason to strive further. I hope this motivates others to do the same.”

Amanat said he started preparing for his final year of school, while still in Grade 11.

“At the end of Grade 11, I mapped out all the content needed for Grade 12,  and set out percentage goals for each. I usually procrastinate a lot, so this helped me remember my goals and keep up with the work. The final examination was difficult but by staying consistent and studying hard helped me.”

Amanat said throughout his life, his late father, Abdul and mother, Nishani, encouraged and supported him.  

“However, my dad passed away when I was just 12 years old. The grieving process had been arduous, affecting all aspects of my life. However, I still made the conscious effort to propel further. He was my biggest academic supporter, especially for mathematics, so much so that I grew to love it.  My mom has always been my number one supporter, keeping me inspired. Today that support, and my desire to make him, and my mother proud, has helped me achieve such results.

“I am also grateful for my incredible family and close friends who were my support system all the way to the final examinations. My teachers and principal also inspired me tremendously. I am beyond grateful for everyone,” he said. 

Amanat added that he excelled in various competitions he participated in over the years. 

“Throughout my primary school years, I excelled at various speech competitions. I also achieved third place for a maths olympiad in Grade 4. Most recently, in Grade 11, I took part in the Financial Literary Speech Competition hosted by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. I was placed first for the district, and thereafter, I placed fourth in KwaZulu-Natal.” 

He said his advice to all pupils was to “set at least one goal, and stick to it” .  

“It can be simply to pass the grade. By having a single objective, you have direction as to what to do. Be your own supporter and study using methods that make sense to you. Everyone's goals are different so just aim to make yourself proud.”

He added he will be studying actuarial science at the University of Cape Town. 

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