Rural school to radiation therapist
WITH an impressive seven distinctions under her belt, a young Mtubatuba girl is excited about her future prospects.
Siyabonga Msimanga, 2023 headgirl at Silethukhukanya High School in Khula Village outside St Lucia, is one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a radiation therapist.
“I am grateful to have been accepted to the University of Johannesburg to study towards a Bachelor's Degree in Radiation Therapy,” she explained.
Reflecting on the challenges from last year, she said, “Our classes had larger numbers and it was not always easy, but I made sure to study every day.”
She gave up having a social life during her matric year, choosing to focus on academics.
Instead of using her cellphone to scroll mindlessly on social media, she used it as an effective study tool.
Siyabonga believes her leadership as headgirl prepared her for the next chapter of her life.
“It helped me because my actions had the power to affect those around me. I was an example who inspired others and I was always mindful of that ” she said.
As she prepares for university, Siyabonga would like others coming after her to remember this: “Try by all means to dedicate time to your school work.
“It is not cool to get into arguments with teachers because if you are respectful to your teachers, they will go the extra mile to help you.
“Have respect, love what you do and you will never go wrong.”
Fellow Class of 2023 top achiever at Silethukhukanya, Mpendulo Mseleku also obtained seven distinctions.
Proud of his learners, school principal, Mr Madela said, “Congratulations to those learners who have worked hard, and thank you to the educators who went beyond their call of duty to assist the learners.”