Norie triumphs despite losing mother

The academic pressure of getting good marks in matric is stressful enough, but having personal matters that might stand in the way of reaching that goal is even more stressful.

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Mamello Butale, a fresh out of matric learner from Hoërskool Noordheuwel, completed school with flying colours and on top of it, managed a bachelor pass. But her road to the final exam was a hard one.

In March 2022, Mamello’s mother, Gloria Butale was diagnosed with cancer. The family found out right after the first term of Mamello’s matric year. While trying to stay on track with her matric studies, Mamello, along with her brother and father, had to assist her mother since, as the year passed, her mother’s health deteriorated and it became increasingly difficult.

Also read: Class of 2022: KHS matrics knock it out the park

“The cancer didn’t take its time and was so aggressive that she was struggling to walk,” Mamello explained.

Sadly, Gloria passed away two days after Mamello’s matric farewell.

Because of funeral preparations and cultural beliefs, Mamello could not go where she pleased.

“Culturally you are not allowed to go out and before the funeral there are things that should be done,” Mamello explained.

She had to return to school to write her exams because she missed two weeks of school since she had to travel to KwaZulu-Natal for the funeral.

“My mom wanted to be buried back home in KZN, that was her wish,” Mamello said.

She explained to News that exams were the last thing on her mind as she was completely focused on funeral preparations and trying to work through the emotions of losing her biggest supporter and number one fan.

A week or two before the final exams, she returned and had to shift her mind and try to focus on school.

“I tried to study but there were moments where I’d be hit with the realisation that my mother is no longer with us, and I would have to bring myself back to focus,” she said.

She struggled with studying after losing her mother since she was often reminded of moments spent with her mother.

“I used to study with her and now I would have to pause, get myself together, take a breather and continue studying,” she said.

Although her mom shared a few moments in preparing for the matric dance, she unfortunately did not see her daughter on the day, as she was admitted to hospital the day before the big night. Even though her mother had planned to return … that unfortunately did not happen.

“She just told me to enjoy myself … and that she would see the pictures afterwards,” Mamello recalls.

Even though she was dealt a heavy card, Mamello said her friends made it worthwhile and fun, so she was truly able to live up to her mother’s words and enjoy the evening. She also explained that her friends understood when she could not go out and hang out with them because she wanted to spend more time with her mother. She added that after the matric dance, and final exams she allowed the realisation to consume her.

“If I needed to cry, I would cry. If I needed to scream, I would scream. I did whatever I needed to do to release the emotions, instead of it all being bottled up,” she said, as she wanted her mental and emotional health to be in a better place.

Mamello shared with pride and joy that she will now be studying Somatology at a beauty academy in Pretoria. A somatologist is a person who is interested in assisting others in improving their general wellness and aesthetic appearance through information and practice of healthy lifestyle habits, product use and clinic treatments. A go-ahead from her mother which was well received as her mom wanted her to study something that she loved.

“She always believed in me and was proud of whatever I did. If I didn’t succeed, she would encourage me to try again.”