Zeyn Mahomed achieved an average of 90.2% and seven distinctions in Afrikaans FAL, English Home Language, Information Technology, Life Orientation, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, as well as Further Studies Mathematics Extended.
He also featured in the IEB top 1% of candidates per subject for English Home Language and Life Orientation.
Zeyn attended St John’s from Grade 0 in the Pre-Prep and considers himself grateful and privileged to have had the opportunity to attend the institution. “I found that academics were my thing, and my peers supported and respected me.” He considers being awarded Academic Honours one of the highlights of his time at St John’s.
Zeyn participated in numerous Olympiads, public-speaking events and the chess team. His fondest memories of his time at St John’s include the Grade 9 camp, the English department’s trip to the UK (“it was unbelievable and only confirmed the patience of our teachers”), the novelty of the online schooling experience, and the camaraderie between the students in his grade.
Zeyn is awaiting responses to university applications before confirming his plans for 2023. He intends to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Toronto or medicine in South Africa. “If I remain in SA, I’d prefer to pursue a path that directly helps people,” he explains. “Ophthalmology, in particular, seems like a beneficial specialisation.”
His advice to younger students is to “Firstly, remember to make sure that your camping bag doesn't weigh more than your body weight. Also, do not let the tough times destroy you nor let the good times distract you, be patient, and remember that character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.”