In Conversation with a Top Achiever Demian Mukansi

Volkies wanted to know what it is about Volksrust High School that makes learners like Demian excel above the rest, or are learners like him just born very talented.

Q: Could you give some background on what you did after school, where you are currently, and what you are busy with?

A: After completing my matriculation in 2014 at Volksrust High School, I pursued a BSc and an MSc degree in Agricultural Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The University of KwaZulu-Natal interviewed me post-my masters qualification because I was an SRC member who completed his masters with cum laude. During this interview, I expressed how grateful I am for Mrs. Marinda Smit, who truly made me believe in myself with her famous quote, “A stupid question is the one never asked.“. Currently, I am dedicated to furthering my academic pursuits by pursuing a Ph.D. while actively engaging in various projects related to agricultural engineering. Some of the things I have done include being a lecturer at the same university, teaching engineering modules from first year to final year.

Q: Was there ever any doubt in your mind that Volkies was the school for you?

A: There was never any doubt in my mind that Volksrust High School was the right choice for me. The school’s reputation for academic excellence and the supportive environment it provided were key. The school’s values and commitment to education aligned with my goals and aspirations, making it the ideal place for me to thrive academically while nurturing my other talents. The big elephant in the room was would I be admitted as the competition to enter VHS was really tight at the time.

Q: Why did you choose Volksrust High School for your high school career?

A: As much as I would like to take the credit, the decision to choose VHS for my high school career truly goes to my mother. When I was in Grade 9 and we moved to Volksrust, she did thorough research to ensure that we received the best academic education. She believed that VHS would be the best choice for us, and looking back after all these years, I can confidently say that she made the best decision for our future.

Q: Do you think the rural environment of Volksrust was to your advantage or disadvantage during your high school career?

A: The rural environment of Volksrust was an advantage during my high school career. The peaceful and close-knit community fostered a sense of belonging and support and encouragement among students. It allowed me to focus on my studies without distractions. The natural surroundings also provided a peaceful and calm environment for learning and personal growth.

Q: What stood out to you at Volkies during the years you spent there?

A: What stood out to me at Volkies was the dedicated teachers who were always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. The school also offered a variety of extracurricular activities that allowed me to explore my interests and develop other talents. The sense of community among the students also made my time at VHS memorable. I think one of the best things VHS had was using one teacher to take you through the critical subjects from grade 10 all the way to matriculation. I am not sure if it was deliberate, but for example, in my case, it gave Mrs. Smit and Mrs. Taljaard enough time to uplift me from the 50% student in Grade 9 to the outstanding student in matriculation.

Q: Academics surely aren’t your only talent. Did Volkies nurture other talents you have, or do you feel that Volkies could have done more?

A: While academics were a significant focus at VHS, the school also made efforts to nurture other talents and interests among students. I participated in long-distance athletics, gumboot dancing, and a little bit of rugby with oom Tekkies. I believe that VHS provided opportunities for learners to participate in extracurricular activities, allowing us to explore and develop our diverse talents.

Q: Explain what it meant to you to stay with your parents if you were a day scholar. Describe how you experienced the hostel if you were a resident there.

A: Living with my mother and siblings as a day scholar had its advantages in terms of family support and stability. It allowed me to have a familiar and comforting environment to return to after school, which contributed to my overall well-being and academic performance.

In conclusion:

“As an individual, I believe that everything concerning our lives is in the hands of God, and I think one of the great advantages of Volkies is that they are a school that prides itself on its beliefs and ethics. Thank you for the opportunity to share briefly about myself.”

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