Battling Bandile nails a super seven
A FLOOD of emotions consumed 17-yearold Bandile Chonco after she passed her matric with flying colours this week, pocketing seven distinctions.
She cried, screamed and cried some more before she knelt down and prayed to God.
The bright girl from eMevamhlophe High School was the top student of her class in 2020.
Her dedication resulted in her getting distinctions in mathematics, life orientation, English, life science, physical science, accounting and isiZulu.
Tears of joy ran down her face as she narrated her life story: how her family survived only on a social grant throughout the year. With both her parents unemployed, Bandile had to fight for top marks at school and still had to worry about the situation at home.
‘Sometimes it was hard to concentrate when there was no money at home but my mother made sure I finished all my tasks and homework. She would literally watch me as I worked,’ she said.
However, Bandile didn’t let her background determine her future but it rather motivated her even harder.
‘I’m determined to achieve more than my parents, as well as make them proud,’ she said.
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When Bandile was a younger girl and would visit Dondotha Clinic, she noted the medical facility had no doctors on site and made a promise to one day change their situation.
Throughout the year, Bandile attended long afternoon and weekend classes and was part of many educational and WhatsApp groups.
Not only did she become the top achiever for the school but has also accepted an offer to study medicine at the University of Cape Town.
However, exceptional results didn’t come easy for Bandile; she had to face many challenges.
‘I watched many videos by Steve Harvey and they gave me daily motivation to focus.
‘I’m determined to change our family’s lives and understand education is the only tool to help me reach that dream,’ she said.
Her biggest goal is to become a resident doctor in Dondotha and offer medical assistance presently out of reach for many people.