From adversity to accountancy, thanks to sponsor

POVERTY and hardship were no impediment for young Xolo Cele, 21, who graduated as a cost and management accountant recently.

The former Myeka High School pupil, a school near Botha’s Hill, was shattered after passing matric in 2013 with flying colours to be told he could not attend university because his family did not have the financial means.

His mother, Fortunate Cele, 43, a domestic helper at a home in Westville, earned just about enough to take care of her family, but she could not afford to send Xolo to university to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming an accountant.

When his plight was headlined in newspapers, Ren Moodley, the chief executive of Renwood Carriers, came forward to assist with Xolo’s tuition fees and see him through his tertiary education over three years at the Durban University of Technology.

The young man excelled during his three years of study, each year completing all his courses with distinctions.

Xolo was proud of his achievement and said he would now be able to help his family with looking after the financial needs of the household. me on a full time basis,” he said.

Moodley said he was excited with Xolo’s achievement and thrilled his company had been able to assist someone to realise his dream.

He said his company had assisted others in the past and would continue to assist those in need in the future.

Xolo’s mother clearly felt as Fortunate as her name suggests. She said was proud of her son’s achievement.

“He worked consistently during all his years of study and he also held down a holiday job.

“I’m thrilled and over the moon that he has finally achieved, and is on his way to be what he wanted to be,” she said.