She wanted to study civil engineering and worked hard to make sure she passed main subjects that are needed for entry to university. But Onthatile Makgale from Klerksdorp in North West failed her grade 12. To make matters worse, she did poorly in the Mathematics and Physical Science, the main subject she needed to study the course of her choice.

TAKING HER OWN LIFE

The teenager could not take it and ended her life last week Friday. Her family told ZiMoja that they were still trying to come to terms with her death. Onthatile did her matric at the Vaal Reefs Technical High School in Klerksdorp. Her old sister, Kgomotso, said that as the family they are really hurt by what she did as they believed she could have gone back to school again and passed her matric.

Kgomotso said the day before she committed suicide, Onthatile asked to sleep over at her friend's house to wait for the results. "She wanted to wait for the newspaper like any other grade 12 learners. I think she was hurting that her friend passed and she failed. I know she studied hard hoping to pass," Kgomotso said. The family found her hanging from a tree at the back of the house.

SHE DID NOT SPEAK TO ANYONE

Khomotso told ZiMoja that what hurt them most as the family is the fact that she did not speak to anyone or even leave a note to explain how she felt about her not making it in matric. "This is painful, and it is hard to believe that I will never see her again. I will never be able to take her out and have lunch with her on payday. I regret going to work on Friday instead of accompanying her to school to collect her statement. I so wish I was with her to tell her that everything is going to be fine and that she can take fix those marks. My mother is hurt because she had a soft spot for her," she said. North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed the incident. "We can confirm that an inquest docket for investigation after a girl allegedly hanged herself on a tree in Orkney on Friday, 19 January . The motive is unknown and no foul play is suspected," he said.