Hard work paves the way for twins

The pair is heading to Wits University to study medicine and aeronautical engineering.

January 25, 2024

Ntombikayise Sibeko 1 minute read

Twins Hamza and Mariam Baruffwala are excited to embark on their new educational journey together at Wits University. Hamza will be studying aeronautical engineering and Mariam will study medicine.

Benoni twins Mariam and Hamza Baruffwala, who started Grade One together at Rynfield Primary in 2012, are ready to take on the next phase of their lives after performing exceptionally well in the IEB matric exams.

The pair, who matriculated from St Dunstan’s College, will be heading to Wits University to study medicine and aeronautical engineering, respectively.

Mariam bagged eight distinctions while his brother walked away with seven.

Speaking to the Benoni City Times on the day of the release of the results, January 18, the twins said they wouldn’t have aced their exams if it wasn’t for the unwavering support of their parents.

“My mother put her teaching career on hold to raise us. Even when we were not happy with the mathematics paper two exam, they affirmed us that we had done enough. They really kept us going. We owe a lot to them,” the siblings said.

The two had great plans to travel the world while in Grade Nine – a decision their parents wholeheartedly supported – but their plans never materialised due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Rynfield twins appeared in the Benoni City Times in 2012 when they started school at Rynfield Primary on January 18.

Their schooling at St Dunstan’s began in 2022 (Grade 11). Before this, the twins completed Grade Nine through homeschooling and Grade 10 online.

“It was exciting to be at St Dunstan’s as we had friends at the school. We immediately found our feet and it wasn’t long before we received academic honours, leadership positions and were even elected head of culture,” said Mariam.

Reflecting on their matric year, the twins said it was challenging but they managed their time efficiently.

“Matric is a big social year because you want to enjoy the last year with your friends.

“However, we were sure to stay on top of our studies too. It wasn’t difficult to manage schoolwork and social time because we had friends who were striving to succeed just like us. It was collective effort to uplift each other,” shared the twins.

Their advice to the class of 2024: “Find balance between working hard and having fun.”

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