Dux learner chases her big dreams

When Annitjie Phaladi, Grade 12 learner at Noorderland High School was named the school’s Dux learner she was over the moon with joy and pride with what she had accomplished through hard work. When, however, she learnt that she had won a bursary from the University of Pretoria she was stunned until the fact that she would now be able to persuade her dream to study medicine sank in.
Annitjie showed from a very young age, when still at Laerskool Chris Hofmeyr, that she was hard working and blessed with the ability to do well in her studies. She finished primary school on a high note when she was named Best Achieving Learner in Grade 7.
Annitjie maintains an average of 90% and does exceptionally well in especially Physical Science, Life Science and Mathematics of which she is the subject winner.
“It was all overwhelming and when I heard that I also received a bursary to the University of Pretoria I was stunned. I did not expect it. I was shocked and cried with joy. It is unbelievable,” said Annitjie.
She explained that she applied at the University of Cape Town and at Pretoria to study medicine and hopes to become a medical doctor one day. She believes she has a calling and is very passionate about people and helping them.
Annitjie stressed that she has always worked hard to achieve what she has and that it had finally paid off. She also said that she was extremely well prepared for her last exams at school and that she looked forward to a bright future where she will make her dreams a reality.
“I like to learn new things and to study hard.”
In her free time, besides studying, Annitjie likes to read, go to church and spend time with her family.
She also has a knack for languages and speaks, besides her mother tongue, Sepedi, fluent Afrikaans and English. Her mother, Carrie Maloba said that she was ecstatic when her daughter was named Dux learner of the year and received the bursary. “She made me very proud and I am so happy for her. She is very hard working and studies hard,” Maloba said.
Noorderland High School acting Principal, Piet van Rensburg said being named Dux learner is the highest award a learner can obtain and with the award the learner also receives a bursary to the University of Pretoria. “Annitjie deserved this award as she is an excellent student and I am glad that she got recognition for her outstanding hard work.
Chandré Pasquale, educator at Noorderland High School and Head of Science and Technology said that Annitjie did extremely well from the first day she arrived at the school. “I could see that she was willing to learn hard and I believe that she is going to make us proud in the future,” Pasquale said.

LEANDRI VAN SCHALKWYK
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