Zwane reaches for the stars
HOUGHTON - A domestic worker's love for her daughter has proven that with determination and a little encouragement, anything is possible.
Hillbrow resident, Sibongile Zwane, is the eldest of two daughters. Her mother raised her and her sister single-handedly on her domestic worker’s income. The Zwane family share a little flat with seven other people.
Zwane said her mom always encouraged education and emphasised the importance of studying. Inspired to do well by those around her, she had her mind set on doing well in her life and turning things around.
“My mother is my ultimate pillar, she encourages me and through that I was motivated to do well. I admire my mother because she works the whole day and still comes home and does the chores and allows me to continue studying,” commented Zwane.
Her schooling started at Barnato Park High School in Berea in 2008 until she matriculated in 2012. From 2010 to 2012, she attended the Roedean Academy.The Roedean Academy is a programme that sees 100 Grade 8 to Grade 12 girls from Barnato Park High School attend Roedean on various afternoons per week and to receive additional tuition in English, mathematics and physical science and accounting from the Roedean teaching staff.At the end of 2012, at the Roedean Academy prize giving, Zwane was awarded the Bidvest Bank Bursary to study for a degree of her choice at the University of the Witwatersrand. The Bidvest Bank Bursary is a full bursary that is awarded to the top pupil in the academy in Grade 12 and includes full tuition as well as all study material.
Now, she has completed her three-year Bachelor of Science in Animal, Plant and Environmental Science degree and is currently busy with her honours at Wits. She is the first person in her family to get a degree.
“I knew that I always needed to be focused on getting what I wanted in life, and surrounding myself with positive people helped me. My teachers, as well, were great.”
“My advice to people is to acknowledge failure, if you are hurt or disappointed don’t lie to yourself about what has happened. Take accountability for what has happened, even if you couldn’t control it. Do this so you can move forward and do better because you know better,” said Zwane.
Roedean’s Kate Lowings said the academy is extremely proud of the youngster. “Her hard work, dedication and commitment have certainly paid off and she is an inspiration to all of our pupils at the academy. A bright future certainly awaits her.”
Details: Rodean School 011 647 3200.
