Seven distinctions for Umzinto’s top matric
Even when it came to finals, Sheik could not study as planned because of his health and solely relied on prayer as he wrote his final paper for each subject.
Despite dealing with health-related issues during his final schooling year, Zuhair Sheik (17) of Umzinto was able to produce outstanding results and was placed fifth in the Ugu District’s top 5 for the matric class of 2021.
Ugu was also named the top district in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for 2021 and celebrated this result and its top achieving matrics at a function hosted by Ugu deputy mayor Cllr Mandla Chiya alongside the KZN MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza at Port Shepstone High last week.
Sheik and his fellow top achievers were handed accolades, certificates and laptops to congratulate them on achieving remarkable results.
First position went to Iman Khan from Port Shepstone Secondary, second place to Dev Anilkumar from Port Shepstone High and in joint third was Zimasa Sigede from Merlewood Secondary and Laikah Sishi from Buhlebethu High in Umzumbe.
Sheik, who matriculated at Roseville Secondary in Umzinto, obtained distinctions for each of his seven subjects which included English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Physical science, Life science, History and Life orientation.
His best subject was Mathematics for which he received an incredible 98%.
When Sheik received his results and was informed that he was one of the district’s top achievers, he stated that he was pleasantly surprised, especially after the year he had.
“The pandemic did not pose a big challenge to me as expected for matrics,” he explained.
“My biggest challenges were health-related which prevented me from actually studying for my finals.”
“I was absent from school for most parts of the year due to ill health, and during trial examinations I was hospitalised and ended up missing two papers.”
Even when it came to finals, Sheik could not study as planned because of his health and solely relied on prayer as he wrote his final paper for each subject.
“I attribute my academic achievement only through the grace of God.”
Sheik gives a massive thanks to his parents Zahed and Maghsuda for their sacrifices and support during his schooling years.
He also thanked the principals and staff of Roseville Secondary and the Umzinto Islamic School, as well as his tutors for their dedication, motivation and support.
Sheik advises this year’s matrics to work hard and persevere from the beginning.
“The most difficult part about being in matric is having self-discipline to study every day and prepare for tests.”
“Make sacrifices and put measures in place to achieve it.”
The top achiever has plans to further his education by pursuing a career in the medical field and is currently awaiting acceptance from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
