Ntomboxolo wins battle with dyslexia
ONE matriculant almost had her grandmother shouting from the rooftops.
Such was the glowing pride of 18-year-old Ntomboxolo Jack’s family after she was named top performer for special schools in the Eastern Cape.
Born and raised in a tough socio-economic environment, Ntomboxolo – with her sheer determination and strong will to succeed – overcame dyslexia to bag the honour.
The bubbly pupil from Northern Lights Special School in Cotswold scored three distinctions, setting herself up to study mechatronics.
Her 68-year-old grandmother, Lindelwa Nomi, said: “I was so overcome with joy when news broke that Ntomboxolo had done so well that I wanted to get on top of my roof and shout to the whole community in Kwazakehle. She has done us so proud.”
A delighted principal, Trevor Roman, said Ntomboxolo had broken new ground as “the first pupil in my time at the school to have walked away with a top-achiever award”.
Ntomboxolo said: “I have been accepted by NMMU. Also, I received a bursary offer from the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral).”
Attending the provincial Education Department’s awards ceremony on Tuesday had been a dream come true, her father, Mbuyiselo, said.
“She was raised by her maternal grandmother under difficult conditions and has always been a level-headed, dedicated child.”
Ntomboxolo is not only the first member of her family to have passed with distinctions, but will also be the first to walk through the halls of a tertiary institution.
But the humble teen said she did not want a party held in her honour because there were better uses for the money.
Roman also commended Jack as having been an exceptional pupil and a likeable individual.
“Her accomplishment will serve as a motivation to demonstrate to her fellow pupils that nothing is impossible . . . We are aiming to continue our proud legacy of academic excellence.”