Siyabulela Mokeba has made it against all odds.
Despite losing his parents a few years ago and encountering many challenges, the 19-year-old Minerva High School matric pupil received five distinctions, making him the best matric pupil for 2013 in Alexandra.
Speaking about his achievement, an elated Mokheba said, “I’m very happy but I was expecting more than what I got.” He got distinctions in maths, life sciences, isiXhosa, geography and life orientation – proving that the many sleepless nights were all worth it.
Mokeba and some of his peers used Thusong Youth Centre as their place to study and were determined to achieve their goals. “It was difficult and there were many distractions. But I have reaped the fruits of my hard work,” he said, adding that he will be studying mechanical engineering at Wits University.
Although his parents are not around to see what their son has achieved, Mokheba believes that they would have been very proud of him today. “It is sad that I can’t share this day with them and would have loved it if they were around. But I know that they are happy wherever they are,” added Mokheba, who’s staying with his older brother.
Beauty More, founder of the Thusong Youth Centre, said she’s very happy about Mokeba’s achievement. “I’m very proud, especially looking at his background. He has respected and listened to me and I treated him like my own child. He has come a long way. I’m proud of all of them and they are reaping what they sowed,” she said.
