“I am on cloud nine!” And so would you if you were the Estcourt circuit’s fourth best performing matriculant for 2015.

Thandeka Magubane from Vukasekusile Secondary School has this honour and says that she is still at a loss for words to describe the immense joy at this achievement.

The 19-year-old obtained six distinctions in her grade 12 examination; these were for physical science, life sciences, geography, English, isiZulu and Mathematics.

She will now be pursuing her Bachelor of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is excited at this new beginning.
Thandeka says although she was aiming for seven A symbols, she is ‘very happy’ with her results.

“My motto in life is rise and shine and never be shy. I rise like a star and I am never shy to try new things. Grade 12 was all about hard work and I realised that nothing is impossible. My family and teachers are very proud of me,” said the soft-spoken lass.

Thandeka’s advice to this year’s grade 12s is: “Stick to your books and avoid any distractions.”