Sitting across the top matric learner in the Uthukela District is overwhelming. With seven distinctions and a 95 percent aggregate, Shivana Bagrath is probably the district’s most intelligent 18-year-old. The Drakensberg Secondary School learner achieved seven distinctions for the subjects Maths, Physics, Accounting, Life Science, English, Afrikaans and Life Orientation.

“It is a big surprise, all the hard work has paid off but I’m still in shock,” said the effervescent teen. Shivana is Uthukela’s top performing learner and was rewarded for being among the top matric learners in KwaZulu-Natal at the ICC in Durban last Tuesday.

At the ceremony, she met the KZN Premier as well as the Education MEC and rubbed shoulders with other top performing matrics. “Being around the other matrics was very nice, there was no competition, we were there to celebrate and there was a general sense of relief. It was also great to meet some of the people you may see at university,” said Shivana.

She is still deliberating about what to study this year but her choices are Actuarial Science or Medicine.
“I want to move out of KwaZulu-Natal so that I can grow and develop,” she explained. When asked for some words of advice for 2014’s matrics, here’s what Shivana said: “Try to keep things balanced. Be yourself, have a study routine and make time for family and friends. Set goals for yourself and achieve those goals.”

Drakensberg Secondary School Principal Mr Sewlal said that Shivana was a model learner. “She is an exceptional individual who adhered to the following Ds – discipline, diligence and dedication. We wish her all the best in her tertiary education.”