The class of 2020 was able to produce outstanding results for its final examinations despite the circumstances brought about by the worldwide pandemic.
Several pupils in the mid-South Coast were recognised as top achievers and commended for their great effort.
Umkomaas Secondary School’s Vaman Ramessur (18) produced eight As and was placed second in the Umlazi District and sixth in KwaZulu-Natal.
Vaman explained that he did not necessarily follow a particular study routine to achieve these results.
“I know that it seems unbelievable, but I really enjoyed studying,” he said.
“Personally, studying was an adventure to get to know the world around me. I tried to concentrate on the positives and to enjoy each subject. When we enjoy something, I guess we automatically succeed at it,” he said.
Vaman plans to study actuarial science at Stellenbosch University.
“To the matrics, always respect your peers and elders and always be willing to learn, even from those who are young or slightly weak in the academic field.”
Meanwhile, Luyanda Khuzwayo (17), from Gugulesizwe High School in Amandawe, made headlines when he was placed first in the Ugu District.
Luyanda stated that the biggest challenge he faced in his matric year was having to study during life threatening circumstances amidst the pandemic.
“Being away from school for a few months had a negative effect on our mindsets and we had to re-channel our minds when returning to schools,” he said.
“We studied individually during the lockdown, which helped a great deal since we were mostly ahead of the teachers.”
“At school we put in extra hours, usually from 7.30 am to around 4pm with the teachers, but personally I didn’t have a specific routine other than studying with my classmates during cross nights. I studied randomly.”
Luyanda plans to study medicine and advises this year’s matrics to start pushing hard from day one.
“Procrastination never really works. They must also enjoy the year as matric can be fun, especially if you have a tight bond with classmates and teachers.”
Also scooping a position in the Ugu District’s top five was Theolin Naidoo (18) of Umzinto Secondary School, who placed fourth.
Theolin said that the pandemic, as expected, had a negative impact on his matric year.
“It had an impact on both my mental health and my confidence in my academics, but I persevered by remaining focused and managing my time well,” he said.
“I took three hour naps after school and studied every day, planning out things well in advance. My teachers and tutors really went the extra mile to ensure I had enough study material.”
The highlight of his year had to be the time spent with friends and family, which became so rare during the pandemic.
Theolin is heading to the University of Cape Town to study actuarial science and advises matrics to stay focused and have fun this year, but to take care of their mental health, too.
The top achievers thanked their educators, friends and family for the constant support and guidance throughout their toughest year.
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