Lucas put his poverty behind him and excelled
DETERMINATION, sacrifice, courage and self-belief. These are the qualities that helped Lucas Manhica write his amazing success story.
He achieved a full house (seven distinctions). The fact that he comes from a disadvantaged background in Alexandra, where his parents are hawkers, has never stopped Lucas. He has always believed his salvation lay in education.
At the end of his Grade 11 year, he approached the Mitzvah School. His determination resulted in his being awarded a bursary.
Lucas put his head down from the start and made it his goal to win the Zenprop bursary, which is awarded to the top matriculant at Mitzvah School. His parents offered constant support despite their financial constraints. Lucas even considered missing the matric dance as it would disrupt his study programme.
But he went – and even made a speech. “Tonight I have realised that having fun is just as important as studying,” he said at the dance.
He was awarded the Zenprop bursary at the prizegiving. It will cover all his expenses at Wits University, where he intends doing a BSC degree.