STAR learner at Isipingo Secondary School, Rihanna Mathura, matriculated in the class of 2024 with a phenomenal seven distinctions and a jaw-dropping 92.57% average.
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The Isipingo resident lives with her two younger brothers, her parents and her grandmother. The 17-year-old cites her parents as her pillars of strength since Grade R, never pressuring her to succeed, rather encouraging her to strive for excellence. Her grandmother was also credited as her constant source of support, staying up during late nights encouraging her to remain steadfast in her faith.
Interestingly, Rihanna consistently engaged with her hobbies, which include swimming, tennis and cricket, as well as refreshing runs on the beach before a swim.
“Although it was initially challenging to incorporate all of these activities into my routine, I managed my time well and found ways to balance everything. Swimming became my go-to activity to de-stress, offering both physical and mental relaxation. A match or two of tennis or cricket at home also played a crucial role in helping me unwind and minimise stress levels,” she said.
Her role model, Melissa Muller, was the top achiever in 2023, and whose journey left an indelible mark on Rihanna, who was greatly inspired by the resilience, dedication and exceptional time management skills she demonstrated.
“Despite participating in numerous extra-curricular activities, Melissa always gave her best in everything she did. She managed to balance her commitments with grace, ensuring that neither her academics nor her other interests suffered. Her advice was a game changer for me. She encouraged me to prioritise my goals, stay disciplined, and break tasks into manageable pieces. By following her guidance, I noticed significant improvements in my own performance. Her influence reminded me that success isn’t just about working hard; it’s about working smart and staying focused,” added Rihanna.
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Having planned her perfect compromise between two of her lifelong dreams – being a doctor and an engineer – she will be studying biomedical engineering at the University of Cape Town.
“While traditionally seen as separate paths, biomedical engineering provides a unique opportunity to combine both worlds, allowing me to make a significant difference in people’s lives through innovative solutions,” said Rihanna.
Her advice to the matric class of 2025 is to push beyond your limits, manage your time wisely, pouring energy into your academics while still allowing room for what brings you joy. Rihanna concluded, “Matric is your one shot – make it count! Balance is key, but remember that this is your moment to rise. Embrace the challenges, cherish the memories, and let this final year be the best one yet.”
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