IVA Tholokuhle
IT was a double triumph for Tholokuhle High School when its top two matric achievers claimed first and second place in the King Cetshwayo District, with a combined 15 distinctions. eNseleni strugglers Ayanda Masinga (18), who survives from his grandmother’s pension grant, and Sabelo Langa (17), who lives on a child grant, rose above major challenges to earn the top spots. Ayanda took the district’s top achiever accolade with eight distinctions: in physical science, geography, life science, English, isiZulu and a formidable 100% in mathematics.
Living with ten other people in a fiveroom house, Ayanda used his situation to motivate himself.
‘Gogo tried to support all of us and even took temporary jobs as a domestic worker to earn extra money.
‘I knew she didn’t have money and had many mouths to feed, so I didn’t bother her,’ he said.
Ayanda not only embraced a positive attitude; he also changed the way he tackled his schoolwork and dedicated all his free time to studying hard.
‘I didn’t need much and knew my family didn’t have money, but I will one day change our situation.’
This young lad said even though last year was different, the coronavirus pandemic didn’t affect his academic performance.
‘I had already learned most of the work because I started studying for Grade 12 while still in Grade 11.
‘When we went into the national lockdown I had already completed most chapters, especially in mathematics and physical science,’ he said.
Putting extra effort into his subjects, Ayanda attended additional lessons after school and over weekends.
This bright star will soon be jetting to Cape Town to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town.
Sabelo, who hails from eMazimazane Reserve, also didn’t fall behind, and his seven distinctions secured him the second position for the school and district.
With top marks in mathematics, accounting, isiZulu, English, LO, life science and physical science, Sabelo is already geared up to leave for UKZN to study medicine.
Other top achievers at the school include Mbalenhle Mkhize (17) who also earned seven distinctions. She will also study medicine at UKZN.
Speaking to the ZO on Wednesday, school principal AM Myeni expressed his joy and excitement at the school’s achievement, saying hard work and dedication paid off.
‘We raised the flag from 77% in 2019 to 91.8%. This was a joint effort between pupils, teachers and parents. This year we are aiming for a 95% pass rate,’ he said.
I didn’t need much and knew my family didn’t have money, but I will one day change our situation