An 18-year-old pupil from Eqinisweni Secondary School, Clifford Silindana, passed his matric examinations with flying colours when he achieved six distinctions.
Teanong based, Silindana obtained distinctions in Isizulu, mathematics, life orientation, geography, life sciences and physical sciences.
Silindana said he was expecting to obtain distinctions in all of his subjects.
He only missed obtaining a distinction in English by a few marks.
“I always prayed to God to keep me focussed and I kept to my timetable. I never gave up on my goals and I always enjoy studying alone. I mostly shared my knowledge with the grade 11 pupils in my school as I would teach them after school hours,” said Silindana.
Silindana said the best medicine to pass matric is to be disciplined, to work hard and to prepare as early as the beginning of the year.
Silindana, who always wanted to become a doctor, has now chosen to study chemical engineering.
He registered with several universities but he said he would love to further his studies at the University of Cape Town.
Meanwhile, Mr Jabulani Kunene, the principal of Eqinisweni Secondary School, said the school improved from an 88.89 percent pass rate to 89.43 percent this year. He attributed the improvement of the results to hard work.
“I am proud of our results and the contribution made by our pupils, teachers, parents and all stakeholders. Despite the number of pupils increasing to 363, we managed to get 313 pupils who have done well. We have 128 pupils who passed with bachelors, 137 pupils who passed with diplomas and 48 with a higher certificate. Only 37 pupils failed,” said Mr Kunene.
Mr Kunene said Silindana was one pupil who usually aimed high.
“From the lower grades, he was always the best. He showed dedication and did not miss classes,” said Mr Kunene.
Silindana’s father, Mr Solly Silindana, said he was happy for his son.
“I wish him the best. This is the beginning of his future life. We will continue to be there for him. We are proud as a family,” said Mr Silindana.
