HARD work has definitely paid off for SA’s top matriculant, Asil Motala, from Westville Boys’ High School.
However, the modest 17-year-old said thanks goes to his parents, brother and teachers at WBHS as well as his initial study plan, which
was to choose a section of a subject that he would study each day until he knew it.
He said the Department of Education contacted 26 pupils to fly up to Sandton, Johannesburg the previous weekend. He flew up on Sunday and awaited the awards ceremony on Monday 6 January, where he was announced the top pupil in South Africa.
“I was really shocked. After my last examination last year, I felt I hadn’t performed my best, but when they announced my name, I was ecstatic,” said Asil.
He flew down to Durban the next day, for another awards ceremony at the Durban ICC, where he received two laptops, a few gift vouchers, a trophy and a few certificates as well.
Asil scored outstanding marks in English (94 per cent), Afrikaans (98 per cent), maths (99 per cent), physical science (99 per cent), life sciences (96 per cent), accounting |(99 per cent), maths paper 3 (99 per cent) and life orientation (93 per cent).
Asil’s mom, Saida Motala and dad Inbin Moodley said the results were a pleasant surprise for them.
“It’s surreal. Asil overshot our expectations, I don’t think I could ask for anything more. He never placed any stress on us and did it all on his own. He lived a balanced life – did his own chores at home, studied and showed interest in many other talents,” said Saida.
Asil said his weekend studies started as early as 7am until 8pm, with breaks in between of course. He also showed interest in extra-curricular activities such as sport and service opportunities at WBHS, but maintaining his studies was always his number one priority. During his study breaks, he enjoyed reading, playing with his dogs, cooking and baking occasionally or going out with his friends once in a while.
He added his brother, Kaamil, who matriculated and achieved excellent results in 2010 from WBHS, also kept him focussed on reaching his goal.
Asil will journey to Cape Town next month to pursue his studies in actuarial science at the University of Cape Town.
“Once I complete my studies, I want to start working immediately, and also travel a bit and experience different cultures around the world,” he said.
His message to the matrics of 2014 is, “Work consistently from day one. Try to get ahead of the syllabus, take breaks now and then so you don’t burn out, keep focused and do your best.”
