Young lad becomes Kasi role model
I used a candle to study and it was difficult to study in the noisy shack. Despite those challenges, I managed to do exceptionally well."
Ronald Moloko Raphadu is a hero in his school and a role model to the entire community of Tembisa.
Moloko Raphadu of Inqayizivele Secondary School took third place in the category of Best Performing Learner Overall at the executive mayor’s Honorarium Awards.
He obtained seven distinctions in the 2016 matric exams.
The executive mayor’s Honorarium Awards, held at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, was a dream come true for the teenager.
He graced the stage on January 25 to receive his cheque for a full bursary for his 2017 tertiary education.
“Everything is possible no matter where you come from,” said Moloko.
As if that was not enough, Moloko was called back on stage again to be recognised for taking first in the category of Best Performing Learners from Priority Schools.
Moloko said he took extra lessons and remained disciplined at all times during his matric year.
“I humbled myself and kept on asking questions when I did not understand. I want to say to all learners – remain focused on your studies and work hard at all times. Don’t tell yourself that you can’t make it,” said Moloko.
“I believe education is the only way through which young people can escape poverty and attain a better life. I am from Winnie Mandela informal settlement where I share a shack with the rest of my family. I used a candle to study and it was difficult to study in the noisy shack. Despite those challenges, I managed to do exceptionally well,” said Moloko.
He said what kept him going was his yearning to leave the informal settlement one day and to study at a big institution.
“I want get a degree in accounting, come back and change the situation for my family and help other needy families. I also want to have my own accounting firm one day,” said Moloko.
He said he wanted to thank his school principal, his teachers and his family for all the support.
