Despite coming from a financially poor background, without parental support, matric learner Thobeka Langa has proven that determination and hard work can change your outcomes.
Aged 17, Thobeka from Rustenburg, North West, was among the country's 2024 matric top achievers, who were honoured by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during a Ministerial Breakfast held in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Monday.
The 39 top achievers were honoured ahead of the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, which takes place later today.
Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the event, Thobeka admitted that she was not expecting to be among the top achievers, especially after a challenging Physics exam.
“It has been a really rough journey, and after writing that Physics Paper, I really thought that all my chances of coming here were shattered, but God had other plans,” said an elated Thobeka.
Thobeka, who is a social grant beneficiary, will be studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. She said her dream is to be among those who make an impact in the world.
She emphasised the importance of education as a means of opening up doors to a brighter future.
“As SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grant beneficiaries, we are often undermined. Having grown up without both parents, I really thought that I would not become anything, but here I am now.
“This is confirmation, clarification, fulfilment, and coming to an end of a marathon. After completing my studies, I will be a qualified engineer, probably specialising somewhere. Maybe I will still be in South Africa or abroad. Who knows?” an optimistic Thobeka said.
Another top achiever, Nqubeko Bekwa from Emzamweni High School in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, said he could not believe that he was among the top students.
The 19-year-old, who will be pursuing his Actuarial Science studies at the University of Cape Town, maintained that in life, there are no miracles, but “one must push hard, have a vision and be disciplined” in order to see positive results.
“You must work hard, even though you feel tired and sleepy. I could not sleep at night because I wanted to be here, and once you change your mind set, everything just happens without any struggle,” Bekwa said.
According to the Department of Social Development, out of 882 336 registered learners who sat for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, 697 502 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 79% of registered learners.
“Out of this number, 1 068 of the learners were children who were in conflict with the law during their schooling years,” the department said in a statement.
Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule will announce the NSC results for the class of 2024 in Johannesburg at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za
