VRYHEID KZN: Lunga places second in the whole country

A celebration took place on Monday at Vryheid Comprehensive Secondary School, where educators and learners celebrated four matric learners who achieved memorable results.

Lunga Dube, Sphetho Mncube, Ayanda Ncwaba and Nomcebo Khubeka – who are Science learners – are said to have made history and left a mark as the ‘Class of 2021’ at the school. While other matric learners waited for their results, Lunga was invited to attend an awards ceremony in Pretoria, where Minister of Basic Education Angie Motsekga spoke about the NCS matric results for 2021. Lunga received a certificate and other prizes for being the top Grade 12 learner in Technical Science nationally, and took second position overall. The 18-year-old mentioned that he grew up in Newcastle and then moved to Vryheid to do his Grade 7 at Amakhwatha School.

The next year, he started Grade 8 at Vryheid Comprehensive Secondary School, where he says he was welcomed with love, instead of what he expected. “When I got to high school, I thought I was going to get bullied, since everything was new to me, but that never happened. In Grade 10, I wanted to study Mechanical Engineering because my father was also into that field and I chose the subjects that corresponded with this field. That is why I also did Technical Science. I was very excited to receive my award; I couldn’t believe it was actually me standing there and appearing on TV. When I got back from Pretoria, I received a warm welcome from the community of Vryheid and that really made me happy.” Lunga will be studying Mechanical Engineering this year. He advises learners who want to also study a technical subject to always make time to ‘practice’ it – look out and download videos on YouTube, attend extra classes, and always ask for assistance from the teacher.

Sphetho is another boy who shone academically by obtaining seven distinctions. He first attended Vryheid High School before moving to Vryheid Comprehensive to do Grade 11. He says that year was a bit difficult, as they only studied for a few months and had to use their own resources to study at home.

“Despite all of that, I managed to pass and get into a programme called ‘Youprep’ that really helped a lot. Physical Science challenged me throughout the year, as I never got any mark above 80, so I doubted that I would get a distinction for it. I was really surprised that I did so well! I knew that if I got good marks in Physical Science, I would also do well in the other subjects.” He says that his favourite subject was Mathematics because, throughout the year, he got good grades; never below 85%. This year, he will be studying Medicine at a university of his choice, as many universities have made him an offer. ‘’As a Grade 12 learner, it is important for one to have a vision, set goals for yourself, spend more time on your books, prioritise your academics, and also make sure you sustain a good relationship with your teachers. At the end of the day, you fully depend on them (teachers). Just to add, without my teachers, I don’t think I would have gotten seven distinctions.”

School principal Mr Maseko commented that, “We are very thankful for the performance of the learners; somehow we knew that this would happen, as they were always in the top 5. We truly celebrate them and wish them best of luck as they further their studies. It is also our wish to help and support them by asking potential donors to give them a head-start.

We usually get help from former learners; those who have been through the same classes.”

Sphetho, Ayanda and Momcebo all received distinctions in Physical Science and want to pursue a career in Medicine this year. Their Physical Science teacher, Mr Gamede, said, “It is so amazing to see them do so well, especially after conditions whereby there were rotations from Grade 11 due to Covid-19. They showed resilience; it was very tough, but to see them at this level and able to conquer subjects that are known as critical subjects (Mathematics and Physical Science) is overwhelming, I was about to cry when I looked at their results. I feel happy, as if the results were mine. It was not easy at all, calling them to school for extra classes. Their parents also supported them by bringing them in whenever we called them. To me, seeing them at this level is so exciting.

” Mayor Mncedisi Maphisa commented, “I wish to congratulate the class of 2021 for their outstanding results amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. I wish them well in their endeavours and may their hard work open doors for them and assist them in achieving their dreams.” He further congratulated Lunga Dube for achieving second position nationally in Technical Science, with five distinctions. ALSO READ:VRYHEID KZN: How schools in Vryheid fared the matric exams Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates