Education has no age limit, proves Thobile

With age comes wisdom, and the message from one of the oldest matriculants in KZN is: ‘Follow your dreams and ignore what other people think about you’.

Thobile Mncwango (35) is delighted to have obtained 3 distinctions for her final NSC exams as part of the Class of 2024.

Schooling at Mthombowesizwe High School in kwaNongoma, Mncwango, who hails from Hlabisa, achieved A’s in business studies, IsiZulu and dramatic arts.

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“My determination and hard work paid off. I knew what I needed. I have been through a lot in my life. I did matric in 2007 and failed.

“I was engaged and my lobola was paid but things did not work out well for me. That is when I opted to go back to school.

“I went back to school, to Grade 11 in 2023 and I passed, and now I passed matric. I am so glad I made it,” she said.

Mncwango said she opted to go to a school outside of her area of residence as she did not want negativity from her fellow villagers.

“I chose to go far from my village where no one would disturb me.

“I relocated to Nongoma and rented accommodation. I now plan to do a nursing degree. I love helping people and it has been my dream career since I was young,” she said.

Mncwango added that she has two children, aged 13 and 4 years.

“I am grateful to my parents for supporting me all the way. My school teachers were also very supportive. They supported me emotionally when I faced personal challenges,” she said.

Mncwango further explained that people should focus on what they need in life, that education is the only key to a bright future.

“People should refrain from listening to the negative opinions of others. You are the only person who knows what you want to achieve in life. Life is not about others, but about yourself,” she said.

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