What does it take to be Estcourt’s top performing matric learner? Perseverance, dedication and the support of family, educators and peers.

These were the stepping stones to Tinita Pram’s stellar achievement, which placed her first in the Estcourt circuit and fifth in the Uthukela district.

The 17-year-old grade 12 learner from Drakensberg Secondary School achieved seven distinctions in the 2017 National Senior Certificate examination. These were for all her subjects – English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Accounting, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.

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Tinita says she was expecting do fare well in the exams because she had dedicated herself to studying for the past six years.

“But I was surprised when the Education Department phoned me last Thursday and told me I was placed in the first five in the district. My entire family was so excited for me, especially my parents. I was lost for words,” explained Tinita.

The next day saw the young lass and her parents travel to Durban for a glittering awards ceremony held at the International Convention Centre.

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“I was a bit disheartened that I was given fifth position but it was such an honour to be there. I was given my certificate and a laptop,” she said.

The 17-year-old will be pursuing a career in Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria this year.

“I am very passionate about animals and since I can remember, wanted to help the animals. Hopefully one day I will be working with wild life like lions, tigers and all sorts of snakes,” Tinita said.

Expressing gratitude to her parents, Suren and Charleen and her siblings, grandmother and educators, Tinita also says a big thank you to God.

“I would like to thank my Lord Jesus. Whatever I have accomplished is because of His blessings,” she said.

Tinita’s words of advice to 2018’s grade 12s are: “Believe in yourself and never say you can’t accomplish anything. You have to sacrifice.”

She concludes with this quote from former South African President Nelson Mandela – ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’

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