Twins may take different paths
THE Khan twins of Isipingo Beach have been studying together since day one, and had hoped this would continue when they started university this year. But they may have to take different paths – if one of them ends up studying outside KwaZulu-Natal.
Mohamad Hassan Khan and Mohamad Hussain Khan, 18, matriculated from Southlands Secondary School with 6 As each.
Hassan, older by two minutes, has been accepted to study medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Hussain is on the waiting list to study medicine at the University of Witwatersrand.
He has also been accepted to study pharmacy – his second choice – at UKZN and Wits.
“It would have been nice if we were in the same class again. If not, it would be a good opportunity for growth and to be independent,” said Hussain.
Hassan said when he was younger, he considered studying veterinary science science but later he set his sights on medicine.
“I am keen to work in a government hospital. Many people who go there are disadvantaged or destitute.
“They don’t have the funds for private health care. I want to help people such as these, and maybe one day open my own practice.”
He admitted that he was not always a studious pupil.
“In primary school, things were more relaxed. School was like a game. When I started high school, the environment was more daunting.
“My brother and I took S7 (physical science, accounting, life sciences, life orientation, maths, English and Afrikaans).
“We knew the fun and games that we were used to were over, and we had to prove ourselves academically.
“That's when the late hours of studying started. Other than our teachers
and parents, YouTube was our support system. We watched the maths and science videos of Mlungisi Nkosi and this helped, especially during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He said they both missed out on an A symbol in English.
Hussain, who once aspired to be an entrepreneur, had the following advice for this year’s matric class: “Don’t stress. Go through past year exam papers, and don’t only rely on your teachers. Learn at home and focus on your weak points.”
Their mom, Rahima Rahmtoola, said: “It’s a proud moment for me. It was good to watch them help each other and work together.”
Praveen Chetty, the principal of Southlands Secondary, said: “Academic success is ascribed to the dedication and commitment of the staff, supportive parents and learners who set goals and worked in accomplishing these goals.
“To attain success, learners need to work from the first day of the matric year.
“The Grade 12 year is a marathon, not a sprint. Learners need to attend all the extra classes offered, be intrinsically motivated, be confident in their abilities, undertake all tasks and assignments with zeal, and give off their best at all times.
“We have looked carefully at the results of the 2023 academic year, identifying our strengths and weaknesses.
“We will make a concerted effort to improve our results (the school averaged 85.4%) and to offer support to our learners, ensuring that they achieve the best results that they are capable of.
“The school has committed itself to offering additional classes every day, and educators are on hand and available to assist at-risk learners.”