VIDEO: Rosettenville teen (17) becomes UP’s youngest actuarial science graduate

Rosettenville teenager Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli has achieved a remarkable milestone by obtaining a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Pretoria (UP).

She is set to become the youngest-ever graduate at the UP.

She began her university studies in 2022 after accelerating through primary and secondary school, as her academic talents became clear at an early age.

“When I was in Grade Three, I mistakenly wrote a Grade Four mathematics paper and scored the highest of all the Grade Four students,” she recalls.

“My teacher allowed me to write more Grade Four papers after seeing how well I performed.”

This led to an extraordinary academic leap, eventually placing her in university, years ahead of her peers. Her achievements, she said, are grounded in gratitude and faith: “I attribute it all to God.”

Choosing UP was a straightforward decision for Hazel. “It was the first university to respond to my application,” she says.

“It had the best perks, is home to one of the top-ranked actuarial science departments, and is recognised internationally.”

The balance of being both ‘far and near’ to home added to the appeal. Despite her academic brilliance, being significantly younger than her classmates brought challenges.

“Many students treated me like the little sister they never had,” she said. “There were a lot of expectations on me, and it became difficult to meet those expectations

A memorable moment was receiving confirmation of her graduation. “I thought I had failed and would need to repeat the year. It was a sign that no matter how many times I got knocked down, as long as I got back up, I still have a fighting chance.”

Now, pursuing an honours degree, Hazel has no plans to slow down. “After this, I plan to work while continuing my studies. I always wanted an MBA.”

Her long-term vision includes qualifying as an actuary and stepping into the business world. As the first in her family to graduate from university, Hazel sees this moment as a personal victory and a generational milestone.

“My parents will have their much-deserved bragging rights,” she said.

“It will alleviate much of the pressure my family has been carrying for so long.”

To other young people dreaming of early university admission or facing big challenges, she advises: “Be teachable.

You don’t know everything. Learn how to fail forward. Take your losses, mixing them with perseverance and grit.

Be like a baby when taking on a challenge and be ready to receive all the knowledge and wisdom you can.”

Hazel’s story is a powerful example of what is possible when determination meets opportunity.

As she crosses the stage during the autumn graduation ceremony, the UP will celebrate her academic milestone and the spirit of a young woman poised to shape the future.