KZN top achiever, Simesihle Khuzwayo, a learner from the King Bhekuzulu College in Nongoma, her health challenges required her to dig even deeper to catch up with her schoolwork, after missing a part of her academic calendar.
“During my matric year, I felt sick and missed most of my Winter classes. However, despite this, I had to try and catch up, which meant a great deal of studying through the use of TikTok and calling my teachers at the wee hours.”
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“I watched a lot of videos and even found tutors on social media,” she stated.
Khuzwayo intends to study medicine, which she said is a choice inspired by her recent and prior health challenges, as well as her childhood experiences.
“As someone who is sickly, I will be studying medicine this year, simply because of my health challenges. It is something I really want to do,” she added.
Waking up at 4am to fetch water has become second nature for Sanele Vilakazi from Makause Combined School, who resides in an informal settlement in Waya Waya, Ogies.
The young man, who wants to study Data Science, believes that dedication and perseverance have contributed to his success, which he hopes to take with him as he ventures into his university life.
“In Waya Waya, there is no electricity, and there is no water. Every morning and afternoon, I had to go to the river to fetch water, and that was the worst challenge in my matric year.”
Remarking on the resilience and dedication shown by the top achievers, Gwarube thanked the group as well as their parents and teachers, who have contributed to their overall success.
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“Behind every high-achieving learner is a home that made sacrifices. A home that chose discipline over comfort, encouragement over despair.”
“To the teachers watching from classrooms, across the country, as they prepare to receive learners back to school, this celebration is yours too,” she said.
