Alfanso is top of Kutlwanong’s class

Kutlwanong Centre for Maths Science and Technology will honour its top-performing pupils at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on January 21.

Some of its leading pupils made it into Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga’s list of top achievers.

Alfanso Timbana, 18, a former matriculant at Altmont Technical High School in Protea Glen, Soweto, obtained 99% in physical science, 95% for maths, 91% in life orientation, 85% in life sciences, 82% in geography, 76% in English and 70% in isiZulu.

He will get awards for physical science, maths, life orientation, life sciences and geography. Timbana said: “I’m a bit disappointed at myself for my English mark because I expected a distinction. I was expecting six distinctions and 100% for physical science.

But 99% was close enough. I give credit to the programme [at Kutlwanong Centre] for their help. But it took hard work, less sleep, discipline and humbleness.” He will pursue a degree in actuarial science.

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Tesicca Rivumbo, 17, a pupil from Letsibogo Girls High School, will be part of the award ceremony as she scooped 98% in physical science, 96% in maths, 86% in life sciences, 82% in life orientation, 79% in geography, 77% in English and 72% in Tsonga.

“I feel great and I’m very proud of myself. I was expecting 91% and not above. I surprised myself. I will study astrophysics because I fell in love with it when I was doing my grade 11 in Australia for an exchange programme at Frankston High School,” said Rivumbo.

Kutlwanong Centre manager in Dobsonville, Buyisiwe Dhlamini, said that from January last year, their pupils had been performing well, obtaining above 85% during class tests and exams. “Even if we had some of the students who were struggling, they improved in the process because our teachers were giving them extra lessons and paid attention to the problems they encountered,” said Dhlamini.

“We have about 203 [pupils] in our centre and we do not charge any fee for the lessons. We request schools to send their top achievers in science, maths and accounting. We prefer [pupils] who are well balanced in all their subjects.”

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