KWAZI SITSHEKE’S TRIUMPH: FROM DISADVANTAGE TO DISTINCTION IN THE 2024 MATRIC RESULTS

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By Precious Mupenzi

  • A young Eastern Cape learner from one of the most disadvantaged schools in the country has achieved a top spot in the National Senior Certificate results.
  • Kwazi Sitsheke, who got distinctions for all his seven subjects, has set his sights on furthering his education by studying civil engineering so he can give back to his community.
  • Sitsheke was one of the 657 980 Class of 2024 to receive a Child Support Grant from the Department of Social Development during his schooling. These grants cease once the learner turns 18. This affected 34 710 learners who wrote matric last year.

Young Kwazi Sitsheke from Tutor Ndamase Senior Secondary School in Libode in the Eastern Cape, who passed the 2024 National Senior Certificate exams with seven distinctions, plans to give back to the community that supported his educational journey.

The 18-year-old is part of the Class of 2024 who received their results on 13 January 2025.

The Eastern Cape achieved a commendable pass rate of 84.98% for the matric exams, marking a 3.6% increase from 2023.

Nationally, South Africa celebrated its highest-ever matric pass rate of 87.3%, up from 82.9% the previous year. This remarkable achievement is a historic milestone, reflecting the dedication and hard work of learners across the country.

Announcing the results, the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, acknowledged the gender performance trends, noting that female learners outperformed their male counterparts in securing Bachelor passes.

“While we are succeeding in reducing the historical challenges faced by the girl child in terms of obtaining an education, our interventions need to be strengthened and broadened to ensure that we do not leave the boy child behind,” the minister emphasised.

This observation is also reflected in the broader education system, where boys are staying longer in the schooling system than girls.

Sitsheke defied the odds and emerged as a beacon of hope for his community, becoming one of South Africa’s top 39 achievers. He had the honour of being invited by Minister Gwarube to attend the Ministerial Breakfast and the release of the 2024 National Senior Certificate Results in Johannesburg yesterday.

Accompanied by his proud mother, Thandi Sitsheke, and his uncle, Mzuvukile Sitsheke, Sitsheke shared his emotional journey. “This is the first time we’ve flown, and it’s truly a dream come true for me and my family,” he said.

His mother expressed immense pride, not only for her son but also for the entire community that supported him.

“Kwazi has made me proud beyond words. We’ve faced many challenges, but I never compromised on his education. Even when my children asked for Christmas clothes, I would put that aside until I was sure they had everything they needed for school. Education has always been my priority,” she said, with a mixture of pride and emotion.

The mother of three, who has been raising Sitsheke and his siblings on her own, explained how difficult it had been without a permanent job.

“I rely on contract work, and sometimes there’s no work available. The child support grant helped us a lot. I would carefully budget the grant to make sure my children had what they needed. I prioritised their school uniforms and essentials, even if it meant going without sometimes. I made sure they never went without food or the basics, and I was careful with how I spent the little we had.

“Now, with Kwazi turning 18 last year, we hope he can receive financial aid to pursue his dreams,” she said. He has applied for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

Sitsheke was one of the 34 710 learners who wrote their matric exams last year whose Child Support Grants lapsed. The Child Support Grants stop when a child reaches 18.

According to statistics from the South African Social Security Agency, of the 34 710, 3 092 learners applied for the Social Relief of Distress Grants, with 1 970 being approved.

Of the 882 336 learners who wrote the matric exams, 697 502 received social grants: 657 980 learners were beneficiaries of the Child Support Grant, while 35 200 learners were beneficiaries of the Foster Child Grant.

Sitsheke’s journey has been one of determination. Despite the challenges they faced, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.

His mother recalled how her brother had stepped in as a father figure, supporting and guiding her son when he needed it most. “Even though Kwazi didn’t have a father, my brother played that role,” she said.

“I am so grateful for the young man he has become,” she added.

Sitsheke, who passed all seven of his subjects with distinctions – in mathematics, physical science, life sciences, isiXhosa, English, life orientation, and geography – has set his sights on furthering his education.

He has applied to the University of Pretoria to study civil engineering and is eagerly awaiting the outcome.

“Mathematics is my passion, and I want to use it to help build and uplift my community. This success is not just for me, but for all of us in Libode,” he said with a deep sense of responsibility.

His achievements earned him a special award from the minister for being placed third in the Quintile 2 schools’ category, which includes the country’s most disadvantaged schools.

“My success is for the community,” Sitsheke emphasised, underscoring his commitment to giving back to the people who have supported him along the way.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in rural schools, Sitsheke explained how the limited resources and infrastructure often made learning difficult.

“In rural schools, we don’t always have the same resources or support systems as those in more urban areas. There were times when we lacked textbooks, internet access, and sometimes even basic classroom materials. But I refused to let these challenges define my journey.”

He emphasised that maintaining a positive attitude and staying determined were key to his success.

“I knew that no matter the circumstances, I had to keep pushing forward. A positive mindset and determination helped me to stay focused on my goals, and I always believed that if I put in the effort, I could overcome anything.”

Sitsheke’s journey to success has been marked by perseverance, despite the many challenges he faced along the way.

Reflecting on his achievements and the obstacles he overcame, Sitsheke shared an inspiring message to his peers and the Class of 2025: “No matter the challenges, dreams can be realised with hard work, determination, and the belief that education can transform lives.”

He urged his fellow peers to stay focused on their goals, believing that education holds the power to change not only their lives but also the future of their communities.

“I want to show that with the right mindset and dedication, anything is possible.”

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