Ponego’s top student got seven distinctions
A Katlehong pupil, Bongumusa Mbatha (19) who attended Ponego Secondary School achieved As in all his seven subjects.
Mbatha who got distinctions in physical science 100 per cent, mathematics 97 per cent, life sciences 91 per cent, IsiZulu 82 per cent, English 85 per cent, geography 88per cent and life orientation 95 per cent said Cape Town is his next destination.
“I want to study actuarial science at University of Cape Town.
Explaining to Kathorus MAIL his recipe of his success, Mbatha said respect and hardwork is a key to success.
“It is good to respect, not only the adults but everyone around you. Associate yourself not only with people who are smart but everyone with the same goals as you are. People who are going to help make your dream come true. If you can do that the sky is the limit,” said Mbatha.
Mbatha said learners must study hard.
“I would like to tell those who are going to do Grade 12 this year that they must learn to finish their syllabus ahead of their teachers so that by the time teachers teach that particular chapter it will be like revision to them,” Mbatha reflects.
Mbatha said he lost his mother in 2006 and does not have relationship with his father.
“My sister is very happy with the results. She wishes to help me with my study but she does not have much. I have started looking bursaries so that I will continue with my studies and that my dream won’t die,” said Mbatha.
According to his sister, Jabulile Mbatha (24), life has never been easy for her and her younger brother.
“Since our mother passed away we have lived our life struggling. But what made us get the support that we got from families and from teachers who were teaching us was the fact that we have always been self-disciplined, and that we took care of ourselves and avoid doing things that would put us in trouble.
“I would have loved to help my brother but unfortunately I am a student too, I need help myself. In the family, I doubt there is a person who can managed to help. Not because they don’t want to but because universities are expensive,” reflects Jabulile.
According to the class teacher, Mbatha is the most hardworking boy he has ever met.
“He is so dedicated in his schoolwork
The principal of the school, Bores Kuzwayo, said the school improved compared to last year. Kuzwayo also explained how the school did.
“A total of 166 learners wrote and 143 of them passed and 64 learners qualified for batchelors, and 44 qualified for diploma and 35 for higher certificates. We got 86 per cent whereas we got 72 per cent last year. It means we have improved by 14 per cent,” said Kuzwayo.
Another pupil who made Ponego Secondary School proud was Lehlohonolo Mpeli who managed to get five distinctions.
The deputy principal of the school, Mkhulu Hika, said Mpeli got distinctions in the following subjects; physical science 97 per cent, life sciences 83 per cent, life orientation 91 per cent, mathematics 98 per cent and SeSotho 85 per cent.
“We as the school are very proud of learners like Mbatha and Mpeli and all the other learners who passed. We also wish them good luck on their new journey. And to those who didn’t pass, they can still do it,” said Hika.
