A disabled teen from Bonteheuwel has inspired his community after he passed his learner driver’s test with flying colours.
Taariq Martin, 19, who has cerebral palsy and is part of the Shumeez Scott Foundation, says he was stoked after he passed the test on 12 October.
On Sunday, his friends from the foundation accompanied him to a special handover ceremony at the Green Point Traffic Department where he received his learner’s licence from Inspector Conrad Ludski.
A proud Taariq tells the Daily Voice: “I feel amazing, the test was a little hard, but it was just one question I struggled with, I knew everything else.
“I want to get my driving licence and get a driver’s job.
“I had two weeks of lessons and the rest of the time I had an app that helps me remember the lessons.”
Taariq’s grandmother Narriman Jack, 59, says he is a very clever boy and a tech boffin.
“Taariq has lived with me for six years now and I am proud of all his achievements,” the ouma says.
“Taariq is physically disabled, but can still see, read and write; he loves texting on his phone and is very bright with computers and apps, he is technically minded.”
She says her grandson did not get preferential treatment at the testing centre: “Taariq did a normal test as every other able-bodied person does.”
Bahiya Janodien of the Shumeez Scott Foundation says they are proud of Taariq.
The foundation was founded by her daughter, disabled model Shumeez Scott, who has Downs Syndrome, and who has won several beauty pageants including Miss Magnificent Women Icon Phenomenal international pageant in 2019.
“We at the foundation were over the moon about him passing as it will be our first student with special needs to achieve something big like this,” says Bahiya.
“With his achievement, he is now actually encouraging the other young adults to all come forward and do it also.
“This is what we stand for, making a change in the lives of others and always inspiring them to never give up.
“Like our logo says: if you can dream it you can do it.”