TOP achiever Nompumelelo Menyatso said it was not an easy journey.
The 18-year-old matriculant, who comes from a humble background, said she didn't allow anything to get in her way.
Nompumelelo, a grade 12 pupil at Boitekong 2 Secondary School in Boitekong, outside Rustenburg, North West, was ranked fourth in the top performers.
Boitekong is a township notorious for its high crime rate, gangsterism and drug abuse, but that did not stop her from achieving her goals.
Nompumelelo is also the best pupil in maths and physical science.
She achieved level seven in all her subjects: 99% in maths, 92% in science, 93% in geography, 97% in life science, 87% in Setswana, 89% in English and 93% in life orientation.
"I devoted all my time to learning. I stayed away from all other activities, such as parties or watching TV. It was exhausting at first, but then I got used to it and looked forward to the moments when I would sit alone in my room with my books for hours," he said.
Nompumelelo will continue her studies in civil engineering at the University of Cape Town.
She received R10 000 for the best pupil in maths and physics and R15 000 for the best pupil from a disadvantaged background.
She said due to her outstanding performance, she has already received bursary offers from various companies.
"Hard work really pays off. I could not have afforded to continue my studies due to financial difficulties. I am glad I don't have to put myself through that anymore," she said.
She said she knew she was intelligent, but she still had to work hard. "My dream is to change the situation at home and make my mum proud," she said.
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Mathapelo Menyatso, Nompumelelo's mum, said she did not expect her child to do so well.
"I am so shocked but also very proud," she said.
She said Nompumelelo's father died when Nompumelelo was only 11 months old and she had to look after her on her own.
"I made sure she did all the housework. I did everything, even washing her school uniform. She devoted all her time to her books," said Nompumelelo.
Another top performer is Tshiamo Kenoge. Despite health problems, Tshiamo managed to get three distinctions.
Tshiamo is a pupil who lives with a disability and was a pupil at Tlamelang Special School.
The 18-year-old, who suffers from spina bifida and rickets, said 2023 was a difficult year as he was constantly tired.
"We had a lot of work that I couldn't manage at first, but then I developed a schedule that allowed me to organise my time. I didn't think I would get three awards, but I am happy and proud of myself," he said.
Tshiamo's mum, Masechaba Kenoge, said raising a child living with a disability is a challenge, but with the right school, anything is possible.
"In this school, he has started to develop well, unlike the normal schools where the other children might laugh at him," she said.
Masechaba encouraged other parents to do more research on their kids living with a disability.
"Most parents try to hide their children, but once you learn about the condition, it becomes easy. I am proud of my son and wish him the best for the future," she said.
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi congratulated the class of 2023 and the teachers.
Motsumi advised those who were unsuccessful not to despair.
"There is still hope to succeed a second time through the Second Chance Matric Programme. Go to your local education offices by 9 February 2024 to register to retake the exam, which can help you get a matric certificate," said Motsumi.
