Africa-Press – South-Africa. A matric pupil from Limpopo had to overcome mental health challenges to become one of South Africa’s top achievers from the Class of 2022.
Moeletsi Tladi from Segopotje Secondary School in Limpopo said he overcame a near mental breakdown during his matric year to achieve his dream of being nominated among the country’s best.
“I kept myself motivated by telling myself what I wanted to do, which helped me overcome my mental breakdown. Also, the support from my family and friends who encouraged me to come to nationals.
“Somehow, that eased down the depression,” Tladi told News24 on Thursday.
Tladi, whose school blazer was filled with top-achieving badges, said his secret to success was to prepare as early as possible.
“I started preparing earlier, so when the time came for me to write my trials, I didn’t have that much work. Even in the finals, I would go to sleep because I had prepared earlier.
He said:
Moeletsi added he hoped to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town.
“I haven’t received a firm offer yet, but I am hoping to receive one.”
On Thursday morning, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga hosted a ministerial breakfast for the top performers from the Class of 2022 and their parents at the MTN headquarters in Roodepoort, Gauteng.
Motshekga described the top performers as the “absolute embodiment of true ambassadors of public schooling, a meritorious position which they earned, and which is not hereditary”.
She praised the pupils for putting in the long hours and avoiding the “well-beaten path to failure by being slack”.
“You were the group we were extremely concerned about, but you emerged victorious and stood firm against adversity.
Safiyyah Wadee from Zinniaville Secondary School in Rustenburg, the North West, said the matric year was challenging with a heavy workload, but they received tremendous support from teachers.
“We had to make a lot of sacrifices and put in our own effort as well as the excellent teachers at my school. The teachers were selfless and provided extra classes every Saturday and Sunday,” she added.
Wadee said she turned to prayer to keep her motivated when in doubt.
“I tried my best at all times, no matter what. Whenever I had doubt, I turned to prayer because the almighty God is listening and he provided, and now we are reaping the rewards.
She added:
Her proud mom, Tasneem, described her daughter as a hard worker who achieved many goals throughout her matric year.
“We are very proud of her. It brought tears to my eyes, because she has always strived to do her utmost best since she was a child. My husband and I supported her all the way, and we are very proud.”
Khanyisele Landingwe from Nyanga High School in Engcobo, the Eastern Cape, said she was extremely excited and proud of herself for being nominated among the country’s top achievers.
“I have been working towards it for a very long time. I have dreamt about this moment since I was in Grade 8, so seeing this moment finally coming [true] is a huge thing for me. My mother was crying when we received the news.
“There is a lot of pressure in matric, and everyone always wants you to succeed, so at the end of the day, you have to meet what they expect you to get.”
Landingwe said she would be studying actuarial science at the University of the Witwatersrand.
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