A STERLING SCHOOL CAREER
Daniël Alwyn Gouws
Veren Naidoo
Reynhardt Buys Pearson
TOP 3 MATHEMATICS ACHIEVERS TAMARA MAFILIKA
LESEGO Sithole with St Stithians Boys’ College head David du Toit.
MARYANNE ISAAC
HAVING achieved seven distinctions in his National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, Lesego Sithole is proof that if you set your mind to something and diligently work towards your goal you will succeed. Sithole began his schooling journey at St Stithians Boys’ College as a Grade 8 pupil in 2016. His mother found out about the Student Sponsorship Programme (SSP) scholarship when he was in Grade 4. He was one of 3 000 pupils who applied for the scholarship and was selected to attend St Stithians Boys’ College along with few others. Academics formed a big part of Sithole’s life. He was dux of the school each year and believes there were several things that set him apart
from his peers – he had an impeccable work ethic and surrounded himself with likeminded pupils, who would push him to do better. He also he learnt to allow himself to fail and to treat it as a learning opportunity. He was involved in an array of school activities and soon discovered a passion for culture and music. He also went on two overseas tours with the Duke of Cornwall Singers, one in Grade 8 as a member of the Boys’ College Choir and one in Grade 11 where he became an integral member of the dukes. The tours gave Sithole exposure to places he never imagined he would visit. Sithole credits much of his success to the support he received during his time at the college from families and staff members of the school and
boarding house. He is grateful for the relationships that were formed and describes his final year in the boarding house as a highlight of his school career. In his matric year, he became the deputy head boy and faced several challenges related to Covid-19. However, he describes it as interesting, saying he had to adapt and redefine the role of deputy. He found he had to be interactive with and supportive of the learners, going beyond the administrative role that the position traditionally required. He is grateful for the learning opportunities that Covid-19 created, particularly the skill of managing people from a distance. Sithole has applied for an Allan Gray scholarship to study actuarial science at UCT.
1ST PLACE Daniël Alwyn Gouws Hermanus High School Western Cape Daniël learnt that one has to step out of one’s comfort zone to develop interpersonal skills. He gained confidence once he participated in activities such as the Eskom Expo, and faced the challenges of Grade 12 head-on. During lockdown, he made an effort to work diligently and maintain a balance between work and recreation. He advises the Class of 2021 to be conscientious and develop healthy habits that complement studying. Daniël’s father was his greatest inspiration, since he modelled resilience and adaptability in the midst of changing circumstances. He admires Albert Einstein for his endless curiosity, perseverance and revolutionary thinking. His favourite quotation was also expressed by Einstein: “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” Selection for the International Physics Olympiad team and Western Cape Mathematics
team were highlights in Daniël’s school career. He is passionate about electronic engineering and plans to study this field at Stellenbosch University. A dignified standard of living for all South Africans is his vision for the country. 2ND PLACE Veren Naidoo Rondebosch Boys’ High School Western Cape Veren’s pursuit of academic excellence was challenged by the hard lockdown when learners were suddenly forced to move from face-to-face teaching to working online. However, he felt he adapted quickly and the lockdown made him more determined to succeed. Veren intends to pursue a BCom in chartered accounting this year. He placed second in the Saipa National Accounting Olympiad in 2019 and of having been named the top Accounting and Information Technology pupil in his school for the last three years. Veren’s parents are his inspiration because they have taught him that nothing in life is impossible if you persevere and work consistently. Veren is motivated by the words of
Jimmy Dean: “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Barrack Obama’s belief that hard work, determination and belief that education is the means of getting ahead makes him Veren’s role model. If advises this year’s Grade 12s to live a balanced life and to work consistently from the beginning of the year. 3RD PLACE Reynhardt Buys Pearson High School Eastern Cape Reynhardt Buys is driven by the passion to improve, but has come to accept that perfection is unattainable. His advice to the current Grade 12s is to find a balance. Reynhardt is keen to study actuarial science at Stellenbosch University. He credits the example set by his mother as his inspiration to excel and this is captured in his motto, “When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.” He believes racial disparities are hampering true transformation in South Africa.
