DEFYING THE ODDS, NOLUTHANDO MTEMBU’S PERSEVERANCE BREAKS BARRIERS

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By Precious Mupenzi

  • Learner Noluthando Mtembu defied the odds to emerge as a top achiever in the Class of 2024 and one of the brightest stars from KwaThintwa School for the Deaf in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Her achievements highlight how, with the right support, deaf learners can excel academically and inspire others.
  • She points out that the social grants she and her sisters received allowed her family to keep going “even when things seemed impossible”.

“Social grants are a lifeline for many families,” says Noluthando Mtembu, a top achiever of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) class.

At 20, Mtembu has defied the odds, emerging as one of the brightest stars from KwaThintwa School for the Deaf in Cato Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal.

Despite the challenges of frequent water outages at her school, and the additional hurdles that come with being a deaf learner, she has proven that determination and support can break through even the toughest barriers.

She is following in the footsteps of Sithokozile Luthuli, a standout learner from the Matric Class of 2023, who also earned a spot as a top achiever.

Like Luthuli, Mtembu has demonstrated exceptional perseverance and talent, making her mark as a beacon of hope for other learners with disabilities.

Luthuli’s success last year paved the way for further recognition of deaf learners, and Mtembu’s achievements continue to break barriers, proving that with the right support, deaf learners can excel academically and inspire others.

Their accomplishments reflect the growing opportunities and increasing visibility for students with disabilities, underscoring the importance of accessible education and social support systems.

Accompanied by her mother and cousin, Mtembu celebrated her success at the NSC results release event in Johannesburg on 13 January 2025.

Her achievements are not just a reflection of her hard work, but also of the critical role that social grants play in supporting families, particularly those raising children with disabilities.

Raised by a mother who has been her unwavering source of strength, Mtembu’s journey highlights how financial support can empower learners to reach their full potential despite challenging circumstances.

“My mother has been my biggest support. Without her, I would not be here today. She has always believed in me, and even though she is unemployed, the disability grant I receive has helped us get by. My sisters also benefit from the child support grant. It is this financial assistance that has allowed us to keep going, even when things seemed impossible,” Mtembu said with gratitude.

Her mother’s reliance on the disability grant, combined with the child support grant for Mtembu’s two sisters, has provided the family with a lifeline, allowing them to overcome some of the financial hurdles they would have otherwise struggled to meet.

These grants help cover basic needs like food, education materials, and essential services, which are particularly critical in households where the primary earner is unemployed.

Mtembu’s success also comes against the backdrop of broader developments within South Africa’s education system, particularly the growing recognition of the importance of sign language education.

According to the Department of Basic Education, 175 learners enrolled for the NSC in Sign Language in 2024, a significant increase from the 129 learners registered in 2023. Of these learners, 173 achieved the NSC, a remarkable 89% pass rate, compared to 85.2% the previous year.

This progress reflects the government’s commitment to improving education accessibility for learners with disabilities, an effort highlighted by the recent signing of the South African Sign Language into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This historic move is expected to improve the educational and social integration of deaf learners across the country, giving them more opportunities to succeed academically and professionally.

Mtembu’s own experience underscores the importance of these reforms.

Despite the challenges posed by water outages at her school, she was able to maintain her focus and achieve excellent results, attributing much of her success to the support of her teachers, including Zorra Moosa, and the unwavering encouragement of her mother.

“I faced many difficulties, especially with the water outages during exams. It was very hot, and we needed water to stay focused. But despite everything, I kept pushing forward because of the support I had. My teacher, Ms Moosa, was always there for me, and my mother was my biggest motivator. Without them, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” Mtembu said.

Her next goal is to pursue a degree in education at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she hopes to make a difference in the lives of other learners with disabilities.

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