Chatsworth medical student raised by deaf parents wins top UCT student award

University of Cape Town (UCT) medical student Sayuran Pillay, who grew up helping his deaf parents navigate communication barriers, has been recognised for his leadership, community service and work promoting disability-inclusive healthcare.

Pillay won the UCT Vice-Chancellor’s Award, given annually to a student who advanced in their journey at the university holistically.

The 22-year-old is a fifth year medical student, and the founding convenor and outgoing co-chair of the Student Curriculum Lekgotla (SCL). 

During his studies he focused his research on disability inclusive surgical care as an act of love for his parents, Harry Pillay, 51, and Shubasani Pillay, 52, who were both born deaf.

Pillay who grew up in Montford, Chatsworth, said he learned at an early age how to care for his parents and assist with the communication barriers they faced each day.

Sayuran Pillay (centre) presented with his VC Award for 2026.

He said he learned sign language from a young age, and accompanied his father and mother to doctor’s appointments and meetings as their ‘tiny personal interpreter’.

“Having parents with a disability made me very aware, and I began easily relating to people with different disabilities.

Sayuran Pillay with his mother Shubasani Pillay

“I found that there was a barrier in communication between my parents and the outside world. I had to be between that and facilitate understanding from a young age. 

“This shaped how I approached my work and career, and I found a passion for creating inclusivity for people with disabilities.

“I am now a part of a global research project centred around how deaf people navigate the surgical care pathway,” he added.

Pillay is a proud Tamilian and the young adult coordinator at a Sri Sathya Sai Centre in Rylands, in Cape Town.

Sayuran Pillay with his grandmother Goonam Balakrishnan

Every Saturday, he volunteers and coordinates a soup kitchen in his community.

He said he interpreted the award as “affirmation for the work that I have done.”

Pillay said his grandmother and aunt played integral roles in his life due to his parents’ disabilities, and they helped shape him into a well-rounded young man.

“My paternal grandmother, Goonam Balakrishnan, is 80. She had played an important role in my upbringing.

“She helped me learn and taught me how to be empathetic. She also taught me discipline, and I was amazed at watching her care for everyone to the best of her ability while she still managed the house. My mother’s sister Desha Gopal, has been my pillar of support. 

Sayuran Pillay with his father Harry Pillay

“She stepped in and did what my parents could not do for my sister and I, and she made sure that we had everything that we needed.

“She still supports me, and if I need anything, or if I need someone to speak to about my academics, she is there for me and advises me. 

“I am unable to have these conversations over the phone with my parents, being based in Cape Town, so she is the one who is my support.”

Pillay said that his passion for being a doctor was due to the medical field allowing him to serve humanity.

He said he also draws inspiration from his mother, who is a teacher assistant at the VN Naik School for the Deaf in Durban.

He said his life’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, and this had shaped him into who he is, and who he aims to be.

“In the medical field, I get to serve humanity through the sciences.

“I have not had an easy journey. Growing up, I attended Balvikas, which is a values-based character development and spiritual programme founded Sri Sathya Sai Baba under the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation.

“When I moved to Cape Town in 2022, I was alone and took time to adjust.

“Academically, there were courses that I had to repeat, but that was a part of my journey.

“I am the young adult coordinator at a Sai Centre in Rylands, and give my time every Saturday to tend to a soup kitchen.

“These things keep me involved in my religion, and help me be a holistic achiever,” Pillay added.