Second-time lucky for Ephes Mamkeli matriculant

Tokelo Tshaana’s journey to finally obtaining his matric certificate was filled with many setbacks but the Ephes Mamkeli Secondary School matriculant held onto his belief that one day the sun would shine on him.

He first sat for his Grade 12 exams in 2022 at a school in Limpopo but what was supposed to be his moment of joy, ended in disappointment. He failed his exams but didn’t lose hope.

After this setback, Tokelo decided to rewrite matric because he knew he would be second-time lucky. He thought a change of scenery would aid him in his endeavours.

The 19-year-old moved to Boksburg and enrolled at Ephes Mamkeli Secondary School in Wattville to repeat Grade 12. But he got the shock of his life when the school demoted him to Grade 11.

It was another setback but one which thickened his skin and encouraged him to be resourceful, and determined and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

“I wasn’t disappointed. I passed well in 2023 and it set me up nicely for last year,” he said.

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Tokelo was so determined to put the ghosts of 2022 behind him that he put his “heart and soul” into his studies, often dedicating long hours and weekends to his books.

In the end, he was rewarded for all his sacrifices when he obtained a bachelor’s pass in English first additional language (FAL), Sepedi home language, physical science, life sciences, life orientation, geography and mathematics in the Class of 2024.

Sporting a huge smile, a jubilant Tokelo joined many of his former classmates at the entrance of Ephes Mamkeli as they queued up to collect their certificates on January 14. The school scored a 75.8% pass rate in the national Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

“I badly wanted to see my name on that matric certificate. I’m so happy I passed,” Tokelo said.
He will follow his passion for teaching at university, which was ignited when he held extra lessons for his classmates.

“I love teaching because teachers build careers. All successful people went through a teacher before their success. I’ve applied for educational studies at various universities. I hope to be accepted to follow my passion.”

He advised the class of 2025 to put their books before fun, adding that with hard work nothing is impossible.

“Everything is possible. I hope my story inspires them. Matric is easy and achievable. Keep pushing, put effort into your studies and stay focused. And when you don’t do well, don’t lose hope,” said Tokelo.

Also Read: Twins proud of their matric marks