Matrics 1, Covid 0

Despite the widespread impact of the coronavirus and social distancing protocols on schooling, the 2020 Independent Examinations Board matric pass rate is 98.07%, only slightly lower than 2019’s pass rate of 98.82%.

Confident, talented musical student with great leadership qualities.

Little did Lindiwe Mabanga know that filling in the Thandulwazi scholarship forms and being accepted at St Stithians College would introduce her to life changing opportunities.

Mabanga obtained five distinctions in Afrikaans first additional language, life orientation, life sciences, mathematics and physical sciences.

The KwaThema-born and bred 18-year-old said it was by luck that she heard of the scholarship to go to St Stithians.

“My family and I were not looking for a scholarship at the time. My parents’ friend recommended that I apply for it and try my luck.”

Mabanga said she was pleasantly surprised when she received the good news from the girls’ college about being accepted for the Grade 10 scholarship.

“I was excited to go to a school where I would be afforded more opportunities, experiences and create new memories,” she said.

Mabanga was a strong pupil and participated in the Mathematics Olympiads during Grade 10, 11 and 12. In Grade 11, she participated in the Afrikaans Olympiad and the Wits University Experience in Integrated Science, where she achieved a certificate of competence from the Wits Faculties of Science, Commerce, Law and Management.

She also received an academic honours re-award and a distinction certificate with excellence in seven subjects at the Grade 12 Valediction Awards Ceremony.

In addition to her commitment in the classroom, she also participated on the sports field and contributed to the cultural programme at the Girls’ College.

The pupil was a keen participant in the Marimba Band for three years and led the djembe band as their captain in her Grade 12 year.

Campus Marimba director Mike Sibanda described Mabanga as a very confident and talented musical student with exceptional leadership qualities.

“She was always up for new challenges, whether it was on the marimba, mbira or djembe drum. Lindiwe brought positive and vibrant energy to the all the ensemble groups she performed with,” said Sibanda.

The all-rounder said she will be furthering her studies and venturing into biomedical engineering.

Mabanga said it was important to be your own person even when starting a new chapter at a new school.

Picture: Supplied SENSATIONAL SIBLINGS. Redhill School triplets, from left, Anna, Ivan and Jessica Buckland earned 24 distinctions between them in the 2020 Independent Examinations Board exams.

Picture: Supplied Tlou Duba, who was on St Mary’s list of outstanding and commendable achievers, said the Covid-19 pandemic made her more responsible. “When President [Cyril Ramaphosa] imposed the lockdown in March, we had to adjust. We had to be responsible for understanding our own work and stick to deadlines.” The St Mary’s former head girl said that she is now looking forward to exploring Cape Town as she is also looking to pursue her studies in computer science.

Picture: Supplied Devon Casey, a matriculant and former St Stithians’ Boys College head boy, has described what most people would say was a tough year as a good one. He obtained seven distinctions in English home language, Afrikaans first additional language, mathematics, history, life sciences, physical sciences and life orientation. “It was a good year despite the fact that we lost out on a few things,” he said.

Sofia Ferretti achieved the second highest average (92.6%) at Saheti, and an excellent full house of 10 distinctions in her subjects – English (98%), information technology, isiZulu, life orientation, life sciences, mathematics (100%), modern greek, physical sciences, visual arts and advanced programme mathematics.

Luke Griffin, a pupil with a home-schooling background, enrolled at the online Hatfield Christian School and achieved seven distinctions. He got 91% for Afrikaans , 96% for English, 92% for history; 96% for life orientation, 90% for life sciences, 99% for mathematics and 98% for physical sciences.

Pictures: Supplied Hannah Henry of St Mary’s School in Joburg is among many IEB matriculants who are confident that they have done well in their matric year. Henry says that she is expecting to excel in accounting, mathematics and drama but hopefully she has done well for herself in all her subjects.

Jed Hill achieved an excellent average of 89.1% and a full house of nine distinctions in Afrikaans, English, history, information technology, life orientation, mathematics, modern Greek, physical sciences and advanced programme mathematics. “I managed to maintain my level from pre-Covid times.”

Picture: Asanda Matlhare EXCELLENT GRADES. Lindiwe Mabanga.