Seshego produces Limpopo’s top matriculant
Nthabiseng said she endured endless power cuts during her exam preparations, but resorted to using rechargeable lights and candles to study.
POLOKWANE – Limpopo’s 2023 best performing matriculant in the National Senior Certificate exam, Nthabiseng Lefophana’s achievement did not come without challenges above her means as an 18-year-old from Bokamoso Senior Secondary School.
The brainy learner from Seshego amassed a total aggregate of 1 743 marks with seven distinctions, and was awarded for the best provincial performance in maths (300 out of 300), physics (300 out of 300) and life sciences (297 out of 300).
Speaking to BONUS, Nthabiseng said she endured endless power cuts during her exam preparations, but resorted to using rechargeable lights and candles to study.
“My first instinct was to go to bed during loadshedding. On top of that, extra classes strained my family’s financial muscle and we could not keep up at some point. Outside of that, there was very limited rest time as we were expected to be at school seven days a week from 06:00 to 18:00,” she added.
Nthabiseng, whose school blazer is filled with badges is testament to her stellar performances since her lower grades, has been known to Pietersburg education circuit manager Biddy Ratale as an excellent achiever the last two years.
“During the first term, I struggled with the pressure to please everyone. This weighed somewhat negatively on my performance until I told myself from the June exams that this is about me and I needed to do it for myself.
“But shutting out expectations from others, only focusing on mine and my capabilities, helped to improve my mental health and overall performance,” she explained.
She received distinctions in mathematics, physical science and life sciences, and is hoping to be accepted at the University of the Witwatersrand to study a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or software development.
Nthabiseng was among 34 top achievers who were hosted by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga at a ministerial breakfast session at the MTN Innovation Centre in Gauteng last Thursday with Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya hosting the provincial achievers at The Ranch Resort for a celebration of the 79,5% provincial pass rate the next day.
Classmates which she called “brilliant minds”, teachers and parents were the biggest support system, she recalled.
Her message to the Class of 2024 is simple: “Prioritise your studies because education is the key to success and I am a symbol of that. Keep disciplined and believe in yourself”.
