LESEGO Ralekoa (17) has beaten the odds.
Lesego lives with his unemployed mum and gogo as well as four siblings. The family relies on hand-outs and cash from relatives to survive.
Despite this, the matriculant has taken the top spot at Emadwaleni Secondary School in Orlando West, Soweto.
He obtained six distinctions, something that has not happened at his school since 2005.
He attained distinctions in maths literacy, life orientation, Sesotho, geography, history and tourism.
“I thank God and my family for the support they have given me,” he said.
Last year Lesego relied on the school’s feeding scheme for food and studied at the school.
“I used to ask the principal to allow me and three others to study and sometimes sleep at the school.”
Lesego said he wants to study law.
“Many people are arrested and sentenced for things they did not do and I want to help them.”
Principal Vuyo Mkwanazi said: “The boy has made history through hard work. His achievements will motivate others. We are proud of him.”