Sihle Nxumalo, who lives with his grandmother in KwaVala in Loskop, could pride himself on the distinctions in five out of his seven subjects.

He obtained 97 percent for physical sciences, making him the top student in the Uthukela district and being awarded as one of the top matriculants in KwaZulu-Natal.

Sihle’s mother passed away in 2007. He is a product of Sizathina High School and together with his classmates made a habit of arriving at school at 6am and left late at 5pm.

Sihle has been accepted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to study for a Chemical Engineering Degree.
He had this to say: “I think chemical engineering will help me put all the theories and ideologies into action, so I am quite optimistic. I tend to overlook challenges and see them as learning experiences. I would like to thank Silindile Manyathi from Nestle for fast tracking my registration and funding.”

Mr PM Chonco, the Principal of Sizathina High School congratulated Sihle on his achievements and said: “He is a very gifted learner who has done his school and the entire community proud.

“I would like to thank the teachers of Sizathina for going the extra mile and their hard work and the community of Emangweni for their co-operation.

“We promise to produce more excellent results in future.”