The story of David and Goliath came to life in Bekkersdal, on the West Rand, yesterday when pupils disturbed the quiet morning with cries of joy at passing their matric exams.
The odds had been heavily stacked against them because of violent service delivery protests in the area during the exams .
Tiisetso Meraba, 18, of Kgothalang Senior Secondary School, achieved a university exemption - a result he did not expect.
"It was a very difficult time for us, but I made sure that I surrounded myself with positive people and am grateful to God for it all," he said.
Meraba was one of about 450 Bekkersdal matrics who were moved to a secret camp organised by the Gauteng education department to ensure that they wrote in a conducive environment.
"The sudden change of environment affected me a lot because my home is my comfort zone and I was afraid that leaving it would push me to breaking point," Meraba said.
Nervous pupils walked to the main taxi rank as early as 4am to see the exam results published in local newspapers.
Emmanuel Msimang was all smiles after discovering that he got four distinctions: in mathematics, physics, life sciences and life orientation.
Hoërskool Westonaria's 18-year-old Bonolo Mndila said: "Limited communication with our families [while at the camp] was a major challenge but my roommates and I made a deal to be there for each other."
Mndila obtained a distinction in life orientation and will study for a bachelor's degree in international studies at the University of Johannesburg.
Rosina Montshiwa was bursting with pride when her daughter, Oratile Tlou, found her name in the newspaper.
Tlou was one of more than 40 pupils sent home within days of the start of the camp following claims of bad food and unbearable living conditions, and of being tormented by demons.
"I was heartbroken when she came back but she rose above her challenges and has done us proud," said Montshiwa.
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