Happy ending for student who almost lost tertiary study offer
After results were released on January 21, Sipho received a firm offer to study genetics and residence placing at UCT.
A local matriculant’s dream of furthering his studies almost became a nightmare when his inability to access a computer meant his application would no longer be considered.
Sipho Esihle Shusha (17) of Gcilima, a dedicated learner matriculated at Mbambi High School last year.
After the tough schooling year he faced, Sipho still managed to finish off with seven distinctions and was ready to set off to the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Sipho’s excellent results did not come as a shock to him as he worked diligently throughout the year with a clear goal in mind. Unfortunately, it almost came to a devastating halt.
He applied in June last year to study either genetics or actuarial science. After a successful application all that was left was to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT) in July last year, a requirement for the fields Sipho wanted to pursue.
“A few days before the test, I received an email with the requirements for the test. Unfortunately I didn’t have access to technology to write the test online,” he explained.
With the Covid-19 lockdown, schools were closed which meant Sipho was unable to ask them for help.
Thereafter he emailed UCT twice requesting to write the NBT in October at a physical venue instead.
“I didn’t receive any response and because of that I couldn’t write the NBT,” he said.
After results were released on January 21, Sipho received a firm offer to study genetics and residence placing at UCT.
He received another email on January 24 staying that his application could not be considered due to missing information, as a result of not writing the NBT.
“I was so devastated because I had already booked a flight to Cape Town, ready to begin a new exciting adventure,” Sipho said.
Luckily, a friend of his mom, Caroline Mändlein (a UCT alumnus) lent a helping hand and managed to contact the university to explain Sipho’s situation.
UCT responded quite fast and he was accepted again.
Sipho is currently in Cape Town, awaiting lectures which will begin on February 14.
He described the experience as a hectic one, but he refused to give up hope. “I am so happy that I could make it to Cape Town, just to have a fresh start, meet some new people and learn a lot more,” Sipho said.
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