FINANCIAL challenges didn’t stop Senamile Biyela from excelling in her schoolwork.
In the end, her hard work paid off despite the challenges she faced.
Now, the 18-year-old from KwaNxusa High School in Melmoth, KZN, is off to study medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Senamile, who obtained distinctions in all her subjects, including mathematics and physical science, was among the top achievers who were awarded at the annual matric excellence awards by uMthonjaneni Municipality.
The awards were held at the Melmoth Town Hall on Friday, 2 February, and she walked away with position three in the entire uMthonjaneni circuit.
“It was not easy, but I had to do it for my mother, who sacrificed lots of things for me to get. I had to make her proud. Soon, she will be a doctor’s mother,” Senamile said.
She said she struggled a lot with bus ticket fare because she had to board a bus to school since it was too far.
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“Sometimes, I had to miss school because my mother didn’t have money to buy me a ticket coupon, but I didn’t give up because I knew that all she wants is to see me flying high. I want to give her the best life ever just to thank her for not giving up during hard times,” she said.
Senamile’s mum, Phindile Xulu (42), said she is over the moon and very proud.
“You could see the hunger for success in her eyes. Despite not having a stable income, she didn’t give up on her studies. I am proud and happy that her hard work has paid off,” she said.
UMthonjaneni Mayor Mbangiseni Biyela said each year they have a budget of R350 000 for this ceremony because they want their children to have a bright future.
“As much as there are budget cuts everywhere, we will never cut budget for this event because we want to motivate our children to excel in their studies,” said Biyela.
During the same ceremony, 78 unemployed youth from Melmoth were awarded driving school bursaries to get their licenses.
