ASPIRING YOUNG SCIENTIST’S TALE OF SUCCESS
EAST London 2017 matriculant Lutho Jimana, who claimed the top spot in the Engen Maths and Science Schools (EMSS) programme with 94% for science and 85% for maths, has begun his studies at Rhodes University in Grahamstown.
Jimana refused to let his long daily walk of an hour to Tsholomnqa High School, his overcrowded home and financial constraints due to his mother’s unemployment get in the way of studying towards his childhood dream job – a scientist.
He has started the four-year journey to achieve his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, and says he will tackle the challenges ahead the same way he achieved success at school.
“It’s all about hard work, managing your time and your priorities,” says the 18-year-old, who does not drink or smoke, and attends church every Sunday.
He attributes his success to the commitment of the Engen programme teachers, who gave him the support over three years from Grade 10.
“I went to the classes every week and they taught me so much, especially the parts of the syllabus that my teachers at school never taught me. I realised I was missing out on so many things, and I don’t think I would ever have done so well if it wasn’t for the Engen teachers who filled in all the gaps.”
He was also inspired by his former school’s principal Uncle Sonwabo Jimana, who he says helped motivate him through all the difficult times, acting as a great role model.
A total of 555 matrics from across South Africa benefited from Engen-backed extra classes in English, maths and science last year, achieving an impressive 94% pass rate overall.
The East London EMSS centre, one of nine in South Africa and the one which Lutho attended, attained a 96% pass rate.
Engen’s corporate social investment manager Adhila Hamdulay said the company was delighted to see Lutho get the chance to pursue his bid to become a scientist.
“We are so incredibly proud to see him and all these pupils, who epitomise the quality of the young people we work with around the country every year, do so well.” – GO! reporter