Achieving success against all odds

Celukuphiwa Combined School honoured deserving pupils at the annual speech and prize giving ceremony recently; with one boy sweeping most wins for the day.

The school was joined by its inspector Rodney Smith and Member of Parliament Mbali Frazer, who congratulated those who were to receive awards, encourage those who did not, as well as share words of wisdom. However, grade 12 learner Mvelo Manana, stole the show, sweeping five awards for the day.

Manana lives in Mshayazafe with his younger brothers, after having had lost their mother when Manana was in grade eight. He said that support comes from his two older brothers and an aunt who comes to check on them, but as far as having adults in the house, he has taken that role. “I live with my brothers, our mom passed away when I was in grade eight, and so we are alone. Our older brothers who work out of town are our source of income, as well as our aunt who comes to check on us as often as she can, but my siblings and I live alone,” said Manana.

The 18-year-old shared that he studies according to his own schedule, focusing mainly on subjects that he is weak at, and later perfecting his strengths, often sleeping at midnight; he also attends extra classes at school. “I don’t write any timetables, I follow one I’ve set in my head; at 7am I go to school and study maths while my mind is still fresh, then after my 5pm classes I go home and do my washing and relax, then at 8pm to midnight I’ll study whatever it is I need to,” Manana shared.

Manana continued to say that he had to accept his situation and studies as much as he does because he wants to make something of himself, as well as help educate his brother so they too can build their home.

“I wasn’t scared that I had to grow up before my time, I told myself that God had a purpose, and so I have hope that I’ll do well in school so much so that I’ll be able to help my younger brother succeed so we can make something of our home,” he continued. According to a number provided by the South African Government News Agency, Manana is one of the 122 000 children who head their homes in the country.

He shared that he has applied for BEd in various universities in KwaZulu-Natal, as he wants to become a teacher for the purpose of helping others better themselves. He further stated that he works as hard as he does with the hope of being scouted for a bursary.