Benoni’s cubing expert

Lakefield resident Zaakir Hagee (13) recently broke the African average for the two-by-two puzzle (3,38 seconds) in the SA Speed Cubing Championship.

Zaakir Hagee (13) is a Lakefield resident who one day hopes to influence the Middle East, but for now, he is an enthusiastic teenager who is breaking Rubik's Cube records.

BCT: How did you develop your love for aligning faces of the Rubik’s Cube?

ZH: It was a Saturday night when I was watching a television show and I saw a man with a Rubik’s Cube.

I was fascinated by this puzzle and I decided to buy one; I tried, but battled to solve it.

But after seven months, I went online and finally solved my first cube – that was two years ago.

BCT: Why did you enter the SA Speed Cubing Championship?

ZH: I heard about speed cubing competitions and so I decided to enter.

This year I broke the African average for the two-by-two puzzle (3,38 seconds).

At the competition held in Johannesburg on November 27, I was placed second after speed cubing American champion, Anthony Brooks.

BCT: What school do you attend?

ZH: I’m a learner at Pioneer Primary School, in Actonville.

I started school there in 2010.

I have enjoyed every single year at this amazing school.

Next year I look forward to going to Willowmoore High School.

BCT: What are your favourite subjects at school?

ZH: The two subjects I enjoy at school the most are history and maths.

I enjoy history because I learn about past events and civilisations and I enjoy maths, because I find it enjoyable to work out and solve problems.

BCT: You have lived in Benoni all your life; what are your fond memories of this community?

ZH: Benoni is a versatile area.

We have different people, different races and different cultures, but we all share a very beautiful area.

Most of my childhood memories come from Benoni; for example visiting the malls and parks.

The scenery played a big role in how I saw Benoni as a child.

BCT: Tell us about your family?

ZH: I’m the third sibling in my family, having two brothers before me and a sister after me: Muhammed, Yusuf and Nazrana Hagee. My parents are Mehtaab and Farzana Hagee.

BCT: What are your hobbies apart from aligning cubes’ faces?

ZH: I enjoy physical activities such as soccer, swimming and just being active.

BCT: What are your goals and dreams?

ZH: When I grow up, I want to move abroad to the Middle East and do Islamic studies and pursue a profession in these studies.