Breaking barriers: Jivana Bisetty the first blind pupil in SA Maths Challenge Top 10

TEN-year-old Jivana Bisetty has made history as the first visually-impaired pupil to reach the Top 10 in the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC).

Despite her visual impairment, the Crawford International La Lucia pupil's extraordinary numerical abilities and determination have earned her national recognition, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle

When Jivana tackles a maths problem, she does not just see numbers - she feels them, understands their rhythm, and turns them into patterns of possibility.

Jivana is the first blind pupil ever to reach the Top 10 in the competition’s history.

Yet, behind this extraordinary feat lies a young girl’s unbreakable love for learning.

“My love for mathematics has inspired me to try harder examples. I make mistakes along the way but I continue to learn from these mistakes. I attempt each question in a logical manner, breaking down the question, simplifying it, and sometimes even working backwards to find the answer,” she said.

This year, Jivana has balanced an intense schedule -  taking part in several mathematics competitions, while nurturing her musical interests and friendships.

From the National Abagility Abacus Tournament in Rustenburg, where she earned a silver medal, to the Beyond Maths Competition and the SAMC finals in Johannesburg, her journey has been marked by persistence, curiosity, and courage.

Her teachers at Crawford International La Lucia describe her as a “keen mathematician” with “excellent numerical awareness” who “confidently calculates problems mentally” using both visual memory and tactile tools.

“It has been wonderful to observe Jivana’s enthusiasm to participate in all school-related competitions as well as external Olympiads,” said her teacher Kirsty Gous.

“Her journey has been remarkable and a motivating factor for other pupils to always believe in their potential. Jivana continues to positively influence others with her words of encouragement, her eagerness to explore, and her resilience to never give up.”

Another teacher, Vanessa Majola, described Jivana as a “true inspiration” who has “shown that physical challenges do not have to stand in the way of determination and success.”

For Jivana, mathematics is not just a subject - it’s an adventure.

“Term three was very demanding. I remember feeling so anxious before my final paper that I could not even eat. But I was determined to complete it, no matter how difficult it was,” she said.

Her perseverance was rewarded.

Jivana was named the top Grade four pupil in the Beyond Maths Competition, placed eighth in KwaZulu-Natal, and earned her national Top 10 position in the SAMC Junior Division - celebrated at a ceremony in Johannesburg that drew applause from across the country.

She hopes her story will inspire other young pupils, especially those who face challenges, to discover their inner strength.

“Remember, if you are passionate about something, then you are already a winner,” she said with a smile.

Jivana’s journey is not only a triumph for her family and school but a testament to the power of resilience - a reminder that brilliance is not bound by sight, but by the courage to see possibility where others see limits.

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