Deaf graduate Trevolin Pillay celebrates earning his BSc Honours in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at Stellenbosch University’s December graduation ceremonies. Fresh from crossing the stage at Stellenbosch University’s December graduation ceremonies, Trevolin Pillay is celebrating a landmark achievement — earning his BSc Honours in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology after a year as the institution’s only Deaf honours student. Born profoundly Deaf, Trevolin identifies proudly with the Deaf community, which he describes as having “a unique culture, primary language (South African Sign Language or SASL), and identity.” He often downplays his achievements, calling himself “just a simple Deaf person from Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal”, yet he is driven “to break the barriers of communication between the deaf and hearing in this world.” His academic journey began at Fulton School for the Deaf in Gillitts, KwaZulu-Natal.
“I was top learner in all the grades and received many awards, including the DUX award,” he writes. At Belgium Campus iTversity, he joined the first group of six Deaf students to complete a bachelor’s degree in IT — and became the first to graduate Starting honours at SU early in 2025 meant being the only Deaf student in his programme. “My schooling and undergraduate studies were always with other Deaf students.
I had to learn to adapt to this new environment. Slowly I started enjoying being independent and roaming around the place.” His supervisor, Dr Lenine Liebenberg from the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), says working with him has been “one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences” of her career. What stood out most was Trevolin’s determination.
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“He entered a space that was mostly new to him—both biologically and computationally—and engaged it with courage and grace,” Liebenberg says. “By the end of the year, not only had he developed strong bioinformatics skills, but he had also gained a deep understanding of human papillomavirus, its role in cervical cancer, and a practical understanding of the tools used to study viral dynamics.” Interpreter Trudie Theunissen says Trevolin’s story highlights the rights Deaf students should expect in higher education. “Many Deaf students aren’t always aware that they have the right to professional SASL interpreting, accessible learning materials, and equal participation in academic spaces,” she says. “Simple things—like sharing slides in advance —make a huge difference.”
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