Top performing township learners:
1st spot:
Zamahlangu Mahlangu (Emadwaleni Secondary
School)
The 18-year-old from
Soweto scored distinctions in seven subjects:
Zulu Home Language,
English First Additional Language, Mathematics, Geography, Physical
Sciences, Life Sciences and Life Orientation with a total score of 1 698.
“Now believe it when they say education is an equalizer between the haves and the have-nots. I persevered throughout Covid-19 because I believed that if I get good marks, I will open doors for myself. Here I am today,” said Mahlangu.
“I am mostly proud of getting the bursary, so my parents don’t feel the burden of high university fees.
“Coming from and studying in a township school is not a disadvantage. We have equally competent teachers. I want to thank them for their contribution towards the success I enjoy today.”
2nd spot: Keitumetse Seepe (Pelotona Secondary School)
“It was a difficult year.
The transition to online learning was difficult as we are used to the teacher being physically present. However, our school and district [Tshwane West] was very supportive and even when we went back to school, they organised extra classes,” explained Seepe.
The 18-year-old from Tshwane is still undecided whether to study medicine or accounting. “I have plenty of options,” she giggles. “I will probably make up my mind in the next few days.”
She obtained seven distinctions in Physical Sciences,
Life Sciences, Accounting, Setswana Home Language, English First Additional Language, Mathematics and Life Orientation.
3rd spot:
Blessing Mlambo
(IR Lesolang Secondary School)
The 18-year-old Mlambo is headed to University of Cape Town where he will be studying accounting with the dream of being a chartered accounted one day. Mlambo scored distinctions in Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Business Studies, English First Additional Language and Life Orientation. The youngster was also ranked best performing leaner in Quintile 1 schools nationally. “Covid-19 was a blessing in disguise, it allowed me more time to myself to zoom in on my studies.
“I finished the Economics syllabus during the lockdown and I was ahead of schedule by the time we sat for our exams,” he said.
1st spot:
Muhammad Raees Dindar (Lenasia Muslim School)
“Prayer, hard work and self-disciple helped me persevere in an unusual year we had, and I think the experience has prepared me well for the challenges I will face at university,” said the 18-year-old. He will be studying medicine at Wits University. Dindar obtained distinctions in English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language, Mathematics, Accounting, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Life Orientation.
2nd spot:
Muhammad Riyaad Ali (Al-aqsa School)
The 19-year-old got top marks for English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language, Mathematics, Accounting, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Life Orientation. He has been accepted to study medicine at Wits University.
“My advice to the Class of 2021 is to start learning early and be ahead of the curve. Staying disciplined also works wonders. Covid-19 has toughened us to face tomorrow with confidence, we can achieve anything if we stay focused.”
3rd spot:
Muhammad Adam Lunat (Lenasia Muslim School)
The aspirant electrical engineer scored distinctions in English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language, Mathematics, Accounting, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Life Orientation. He has been accepted to study electrical engineering at Wits University.
He said: “What is important is working hard and taking responsibility for your own work. Our teachers’ support was phenomenal. My parents also gave me space to concentrate on my school work.”