Benoni local receives eight distinctions

St Benedict’s learner and Benoni local Matt Oosthuizen received eight distinctions in Afrikaans first additional language, English home language, information technology, life orientation, life sciences, mathematics, physical sciences and advanced program English (APE), with an average of 94.2 per cent in the IEB 2020 matric exams.

“It still doesn’t feel like I have completely processed it all yet,” said Matt.

“But I am very happy with my results, couldn’t be happier.”

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Matt has also been placed in the top one per cent IEB nationally in English and IT.

“I joined St Benedict’s in Grade Eight, my older brother also attended the school,” he said.

“The past five years have flown by, it feels so surreal.”

Matt is not just an academic star, this all-rounder also:

• Played first-team cricket.

• Was awarded a team blazer for cricket – only given to students who play more than 75 per cent of matches in the season.

• Played second-team hockey.

• Is a talented piano player.

Matt has applied to study medicine and his dream is to become a surgeon.

“I have applied to a few places, I should hear back from them by the 25th,” he said.

At the beginning of last year, South Africa went into a nationwide lockdown. This put much pressure on learners around the country, especially the matrics.

“I feel that Covid-19 and the lockdown tested our self-discipline. It was way too easy to just switch off, especially during a Zoom meeting.

“It was a tough year, I didn’t think I would do this well, but I am so pleased that I did.”

Matt said he is going to miss school, but mostly his friends.

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“The sad fact is that you are going to go from seeing your friends every single day, too, if you’re lucky, twice a year. I am going to miss my friends very much,” he said.

Without his parents, Willie and Christine, Matt doesn’t feel he would be where he is today.

“I love my parents so much, without them I wouldn’t have succeeded, I appreciate them more then I could say,” he said.

“My advice to the new incoming matrics, have no regrets.”