Despite several setbacks and uncertainties, Mathapelo Sigague (17) from Forte Secondary in Dobsonville has obtained 8 distinctions and is still in disbelief that she made it.

SHE DID IT FOR HER GRANDMA

Mathapelo told ZiMoja that she lives in Snake Park, an area that gets flooded when it rains, which inconvenienced her when she had classes to attend. "Whenever it rained, I would be forced to wear casual clothes, take a taxi, and then change into school uniform when I got to school because if I didn't do that, I would not have been able to attend my early morning lessons in wet uniform," Mathapelo said. She added that she also lost her grandmother and her mother became gravely ill during her matric year. "My grandmother, who raised me, died as I was preparing for my exams. I was shattered and heartbroken, but I had to focus because I had to make her proud. I know that wherever she is, she is proud and smiling down on me. While I was dealing with that, my mom became seriously ill and was admitted to the hospital for months, but still, I had to focus, "said Mathapelo.

SUPPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT 

Mathapelo expressed gratitude towards her educators who supported her through all her struggles. "If it wasn't for my teachers supporting and encouraging me through all my difficulties, maybe I wouldn't be here. They instilled proper discipline and pushed me to work harder so I could build a better future for myself. I'll forever be grateful for their love, patience, and support." She said she applied at the University of Pretoria for a mining engineering degree and is excited about the new journey ahead of her. Her school achieved a 100% pass rate in over thirteen years.