Star pupil beats cancer and excels
Cancer survivor has big plans
Neo Rakuba is looking forward to his life’s journey.
The 20-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016 and left school as the cancer had spread to 98% of his body and the doctors told him he had a 2% chance of survival.
He said it was with God’s grace that he was still alive today. Rakuba did not lose hope and matriculated last year with an average of 71.43%.
Now he can’t wait to begin studying his BCom marketing degree at the University of Johannesburg.
“This is a big move for me, moving away from home to be by myself. However, I am looking forward to the new challenge,” he said.
Rakuba had been elected as head boy of Curro Meridian School in Rustenburg in 2016, but once diagnosed, spent the rest of the year in hospital receiving chemotherapy and other medical support.
“Before April I never knew anything about cancer, even when my glands started swelling I thought it was tonsillitis,” Rakuba said.
“It was only in June when I went to a hospital in Rustenburg that I discovered that I had leukaemia.
“I was transferred to Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria where the doctors said I only had two months to live as the glands had grown all over my body.”
He was even isolated for part of his treatment.
“I never saw myself as having leukae mia. I tried to maintain a positive mindset, forever smiling and never blaming anyone for the disease.
“I am proud to say today there are no traces of cancer in my blood. I just go for regular checkups.”
Rakuba’s grandmother Maria Ratholwane, 59, who raised him after his mother died in 2012, said the family went through a difficult time after he was diagnosed with the disease
“The family is very proud of him because he fought very hard to live. He did not give up, even when the doctors had given up on him.”
Rakuba said all he wanted this year was to pass all his modules so that one day he can fulfil his dreams of becoming a businessman.
“When I get to university, I will associate myself with people who feel that there is more to give in life. People who are self motivated because if you maintain a positive vibe your body will react well.”
‘ ‘ If you remain positive, your body will react well