Mthatha youth achieves 9 distinctions
A single mother from Mthatha is thrilled that her son Qaqambile Mehlwana graduated from traditional initiation school and passed matric with an extraordinary nine distinctions.
Mehlwana was the top individual achiever at the exclusive KwaZulu-Natal boarding school, Michaelhouse.
His mother, Ntuthu Sibango , is a popular businesswoman, pharmacist and philanthropist.
She said she would spend her last penny to send her son to an American university to study business science.
An excited Qaqambile said he became a man after undergoing traditional initiation.
The Michaelhouse matric class achieved a 99% university exemption pass.
Qaqambile placed in the top 1% in SA in three subjects.
He scored 97% for mathematics, 93% for accounting, 92% for economics, 91% for advanced programme mathematics, 91% for life orientation, 90% for English, 90% for geography, 89% for computer applications technology, and 89% for IsiZulu.
He was among the top 5% nationally in seven subjects.
“I am hoping to get into Stanford or Brown University to do business science. I am very excited,” he said.
“In December after writing my examinations I underwent the custom of ulwaluko.
“I survived the sessions there in the mountain and came back not a boy but a man, and I joined the lineage of Xhosa men.
“I uphold my custom as a Xhosa and I am very proud of that. Now, I have not only become a man, but a top learner in my school.”
The religious Qaqambile said none of this would have been possible without God and the massive support of his loving mother.
“I’m very grateful to God and my mom. I am what I am because of them.”
For his homecoming ceremony on December 21, his mother threw the biggest umgidi in his village in Ngqeleni and also at Myezo Park in Mthatha.
In line with the African culture, in September, Qaqambile's mother revived the ancient custom of ukubusa, when she donated a cow and other goodies to AbaThembu acting King Azenathi Dalindyebo to introduce herself as a business person operating in the king’s jurisdiction.
“[My son’s] achievements should serve as an inspiration to many black youths from the rural areas.
“But this happiness and achievements should not only end here.
“He must assist those who are less fortunate. Education is real,” said Ntuthu.
Ntuthu promotes healthy living and funds the Maderia-Elliot Pharmacy annual marathon.
But his happiness and achievements should not end here. He must assist those who are less fortunate. Education is real