Sleeping just two hours a night became routine for iLembe District’s top NSC matric achiever, Senamile Tabete (18), as she pushed herself towards academic excellence.

Hailing from Macambini in Mandeni, Senamile attended Mathubesizwe Secondary School, where she achieved seven distinctions and a B in Mathematics, placing her among the country’s top-performing matriculants.

Senamile credited her success to strict discipline and unwavering focus.

“Nothing mattered more than my schoolwork. I attended extra classes and often studied throughout the night. That commitment helped me achieve these results. I am grateful to my teachers for their support and to my family for believing in me,” she said.

Her dedication has paid off. She has been accepted to the University of Johannesburg, where she will study chartered accounting and has secured a bursary to ease the financial burden on her family.

Her parents, Fikile Sithole and Phakamani Tabete, praised the school’s staff, saying their commitment played a key role in their daughter’s success.

“The teachers and principal take pride in their work and go the extra mile for learners. Considering that this is a rural school with limited resources, their support made these results possible,” said Sithole.

Sithole added that her daughter’s potential was identified early.

“She has performed well since Grade 8 and the teachers continued to guide and support her. We expected good results, but this exceeded our expectations. We are very proud of her.”

Beyond academics, Senamile also shone as a leader. She served as head girl and chaired the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) at both school and district level. She represented iLembe in several leadership and academic programmes, including the 2023 BRICS Summit in China.

Her achievements were recognised when Mandeni mayor Thabani Mdlalose visited her school to congratulate her in person.

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