Despite having to study under pressure as a result of the pandemic, Sidonia Chambala went on to represent Lethulwazi Comprehensive School at the Godfrey Pitje Academic Excellence Awards hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) on March 10.
The 18-year-old from Windmill Park was awarded a certificate of excellence after she secured the sixth position among the top 15 for the best-performing learners in priority schools.
The awards ceremony was held at OR Tambo Government Precinct in Germiston.
Chambala said her hard work and enthusiasm for learning was encouraged by her parents during her early high school days.
She said she focused on her studies six days a week for the past six years, from Grade Seven to matric.
“I made it my priority to revisit a chapter that I did not understand fully. I went all out to bother my teachers to help me understand the full concept of what I was learning.
“I knew matric required a lot of time and energy. Spiritually I was on my game as I asked Jehovah to keep on guiding me all the way and help me take good decisions on how to study and when to study,” said Chambala.
The youngster obtained distinctions in English first additional language, mathematics, history, engineering graphics and design, life sciences, physical sciences and life orientation. When asked whether the pandemic affected her studies, Chambala responded by saying the results speak for themselves.
“Trust me when I say that if it wasn’t for the pandemic and the fast-paced work required, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve such marks.
“My family has always shown me great support. I remember when I could not finish my maths paper two during the preliminary exams. I felt so defeated and I thought that was my downfall for the final exams, but the support I got from my grandmother was massive.
“She died in December due to the coronavirus,” she said.
Chambala is saddened that her grandmother couldn’t rejoice with her after she obtained 96 per cent in maths.
“My grandmother always pushed me to believe that I can improve in maths. “My parents made sure I was always at school and gave me full financial support; they sometimes had to change their plans just to accommodate me.
“My dad went out of his way to drop me off at and fetch me from school. My mom helped a lot with some of the chores,” said Chambala.
Future studies
The youngster is studying engineering at African Academy.
She said draughting is one of the things that grew on her as she was inspired by her late uncle who was a civil engineer.
“At first I wanted to be a charted accountant. I still plan to pursue it in future, but for now engineering seems to be a good choice,” said Chamba.
