Rising from the ashes like a Phoenix
ACADEMIC powerhouse Thobile Khumalo of Old Mill High School bagged six matric distinctions.
Despite the hurdles she had to overcome, she clawed her way to success.
“In my Grade 12 year, school times changed and I had to be at school by 6.30am. It was hard because I live an hour away and I had to wake up extra early,” she said.
She also explained that extra classes would end at 6pm and she would get home just after 7pm.
“It was not an easy time because of the long days. The only way I coped was to rest for at least two hours before diving into my studies,” she explained.
In addition to her early mornings and late nights, Thobile had to deal with the sad reality of her school books burning to ashes.
“I was studying and stepped out of the room for a few minutes. When I returned, my books were on fire because the candle had fallen over.”
With the help of her sister and biggest supporter Nonhlanhla, Thobile gathered her emotions and found a solution.
“My sister encourages me and keeps me sane. She would remind me to take it easy because I tend to beat myself up when I feel like things are falling apart.”
Shy and soft-spoken, Thobile has her sights set on becoming a medical doctor and will attend the University of KwaZuluNatal (UKZN) Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.
To those still coming up through the ranks, she says, “Know your standards and aim high.”
School principal, Mr M Bhengu, is proud of
the marks Thobile produced.
“We are excited. She has been a consistent academic since Grade 8 and had a good foundation from Imizikayifani Primary School in eSikhaleni.
“Credit goes to all the teachers who supported her over the years,” he said.
Bhengu elaborated on how Thobile was encouraged by one of her primary school teachers to attend a school in town.
“We are so proud of all her achievements, and we look forward to achieving a 100% pass rate in years to come.
“We do not doubt that this goal is possible, and we will work hard to find strategies that work for our school and learners.”