18-year-old Sihle Nxumalo says he got much more than he bargained for when it came to his matric results.

“I was expecting at least one A,” he says but received five distinctions, placing him third in the Estcourt circuit. The learner from Sizathina High School received A’s for mathematics, physical science, life science, agricultural science and life orientation.

“I was with my friends and family when I received my results and to be honest, I was a little shocked but very happy,” says Sihle.

He intends on studying towards a degree in chemical engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal this year and is looking forward to the challenges and life at a tertiary institution.

The teenager from Loskop says that working hard every day is sure to reap rewards and this was his strategy.

“I encourage learners to make time to study every day and work hard to achieve your goals,” said Sihle.