After losing both his parents at the very tender age, Thabang Molebatsi (19), a pupil from Orlando High School, felt that his world was falling apart but that did not stop him from obtaining four distinctions.
Molebatsi said when his parents died he made a promise to himself that he would make them proud.
With distinctions in physical science, mathematics, geography and life orientation, Molebatsi believes his parents are happy wherever there are.
Molebatsi is been raised by his 27-year-old sister.
“It was not easy. After losing my parents I felt like my world was falling apart, especially after losing my mom.
“I didn’t know how I was going to go on but with the help of my siblings and the support of my teachers I made it through,” he said.
Molebatsi also praised his teachers for going beyond the title of teacher.
“My teachers were not just teachers. they were my friends, parents and anything else that I needed them to be,” he said.
He encouraged other young people who are going through hard times to keep strong and not to lose focus on their goals.
“You need to make a decision about your future and do whatever it takes to fulfill your dreams and always remember that hard work pays off,” he said.
Molebatsi plans on studying chemical engineering but unfortunately has no funds to study further. He has applied for several bursaries but has not gotten any responses.
“I want to study and have a good job so that I can support my family, I want to give my siblings the life that they deserve,” he said.