Sabnam Pir’s Inspiring Journey of Faith, Sacrifice and Academic Excellence
When the University of Venda announced its 2026 graduation award recipients, one name stood above the rest: Sabnam Pir. Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Information Systems with distinction, Sabnam was crowned the 2026 Best Overall Student at the University, a remarkable achievement that reflects years of resilience, sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering faith.
What makes her achievement even more extraordinary is her age. Sabnam completed her degree at just 20 years old, a milestone that highlights not only academic excellence but also exceptional focus and determination at a young age. In what she describes as “a beautiful twist of timing,” she celebrates her 21st birthday on the eve of her graduation ceremony, a moment that makes this chapter of her life even more memorable.
Behind the trophies and distinctions lies a deeply human story, one shaped by humble beginnings, parents who silently sacrificed, lecturers who believed in potential, and a young woman who refused to let hardship define her future.
Humble Beginnings, Powerful Dreams
Raised in Thohoyandou, Sabnam grew up in a modest home where every resource was carefully managed. She vividly remembers her father writing dates on the household gas cylinder to monitor how long it would last and her mother waking up early to prepare meals using alternative methods whenever the gas ran out.
Those moments became the foundation of her determination.
While other children enjoyed comforts that she could not always afford, Sabnam turned those realities into motivation rather than bitterness. Her parents never pressured her harshly; instead, their quiet sacrifices and unwavering belief in her became the driving force behind her academic journey.
“My father’s smile whenever I achieved good marks became my compass,” she reflects.
A Family Built on Education and Excellence
Sabnam is the last-born of four children in a family where education has always been a top priority. All three of her siblings graduated from the University of Venda and have gone on to build successful careers in their respective fields.
Growing up in such an environment meant the standard for excellence had already been set high. As the youngest in the family, Sabnam knew she could not afford to take her education lightly.
Her siblings became her role models, constantly demonstrating discipline, commitment, and the importance of prioritising education.
“Everything they did, education came first. No compromises,” she says.
Watching them succeed deeply inspired her, but it also brought pressure. She admits that she was not only motivated to match their achievements, but to surpass them, not out of rivalry, but out of admiration and respect.
“When you grow up looking up to people that are driven, simply keeping up is not enough. You want to make them proud,” she explains.
Adding to the family’s celebration, Sabnam was not graduating alone. Her sister Shaima also graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting, giving the family double rea-son to celebrate this milestone achievement.
Rediscovering Strength Through Education
Sabnam attended Liivha Combined School in Thohoyandou from primary school through Grade 12, consistently performing among the top learners in her class. However, the pressures of Grade 11 and Grade 12 tested her emotionally and academically.
Teachers noticed a shift in her energy and worried she might be struggling personally. In truth, she had simply lost motivation under the weight of life’s pressures. But through self-belief, prayer, and persistence, she found her way back.
By the time matric examinations arrived, Sabnam had reignited her determination and earned her place at the University of Venda.
Choosing BCom Business Information Systems was initially unexpected, but she now believes it was part of a greater purpose. Guided by faith, she embraced a qualification that would ultimately unlock opportunities beyond what she had imagined possible.
Excellence That Spoke Loudly
Sabnam’s university journey quickly became a story of exceptional academic achievement.
In her first year, she received the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Student Academic Excellence Award as one of the top students in the Department of Business Information Systems. In 2024, she added several prestigious accolades, including recognition as the top student in the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law and the overall best student in her department and at the university level.
Her academic consistency culminated in 2026 when she was named the University’s Best Over-all Student.
Alongside her qualification, Sabnam walked away with numerous awards sponsored by various organisations, including the Forever Resort Award, SANLAM Award, Old Mutual Award, Fundi Award, Convocation EXCO Award, Faculty Medallion Award, LEMEG Architecture Award, and the Nthambeleni Attorneys Inc. Award.
Leading Through Service and Mentorship
Beyond the lecture halls, Sabnam dedicated herself to uplifting others.
For all three years of her undergraduate studies, she served as a tutor, helping students nav-igate challenging modules. Even though she was officially assigned only one tutoring mod-ule, she volunteered to assist additional students in Accounting because she understood the struggles many first-year students faced.
Her commitment to mentorship continues today, as she still volunteers to assist students wherever she can.
“To help even one student succeed means I have already made a difference,” she says.
Faith, Family and Financial Support
Sabnam describes financial pressure as one of the greatest challenges she faced during uni-versity. The uncertainty surrounding funding often weighed heavily on her, but support from the ISFAP bursary programme helped ease the burden.
She also credits the Department of Business Information Systems for providing encourage-ment and guidance throughout her studies.
Above all, she honours her parents and eldest sister for being her pillars of strength. Their prayers, sacrifices, and emotional support carried her through moments of doubt and exhaustion.
Prayer became her anchor during difficult seasons.
“What is meant for you will always find its way to you,” she says, a belief that sustained her throughout her journey.
Building a Future Through Cybersecurity Research
Currently pursuing her BCom Honours in Business Information Systems at the University of Venda, Sabnam’s research focuses on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and the human factors behind security breaches in organisations.
Her work explores how social engineering and human behaviour create cybersecurity vulner-abilities in South African institutions navigating digital transformation.
She believes the future of cybersecurity lies not only in advanced systems but also in under-standing the people who use them.
A Vision Beyond Personal Success
Sabnam’s ambitions extend far beyond her own achievements. She hopes to pursue studies and contribute meaningfully to research, academia, and policy development in cybersecurity and information systems.
Most importantly, she wants to inspire young people from rural and disadvantaged back-grounds to believe that success is possible despite difficult circumstances.
Her message to students facing challenges is simple yet powerful:
“Failure is not the end. It is part of the journey. You may feel tired, but tired is not finished. Keep going.”
A Legacy of Hope and Determination
As Sabnam Pir graduates with distinction and leaves the graduation stage as the 2026 Best Overall Student, her story stands as a powerful reflection of what is possible when faith, hard work, resilience, and opportunity come together.
From a small house in Thohoyandou to the pinnacle of academic excellence, Sabnam has be-come more than an award-winning student; she has become a symbol of hope for countless young people who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.
Her journey proves that success is not determined by where one begins, but by the courage to keep moving forward.
Work hard in silence, let your success make the noise.” — Frank Ocean
In the picture, Sabnam Pir poses for a photo with her lecturers
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
