Instead of lingering in pain after the loss of his grandfather and a best friend, a 2024 matriculant from Lethulwazi Comprehensive Secondary School in Ekurhuleni chose to turn his grief into motivation to work hard.
On Monday night, Ronewa Netshitavhadulu, 18, who lost two people that he loved most during his matric year, received a national top matric achievers award from basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube at the Mosaiek Church in Randburg.
Netshitavhadulu told TimesLIVE Premium a day before the release of the matric results: “During the year I lost my grandfather and a very close friend, and I turned it to a motivation [to work hard].”
Though he knew he would pass his exams, it did not dawn on him that he would be among the top national matric achievers.
He said his mother, on the other hand, “believed in me and encouraged me that I would come here [to the national matric awards ceremony]. She always knew.”
“Yes, I expected to pass, but I did not really expect to be where I am right now today [meeting the minister]. I’m very excited and happy that I got this opportunity to be awarded because it was not easy. There were sleepless nights and pressure. So I’m definitely excited,” said Netshitavhadulu.
His parents were not the only ones who contributed towards his success — his teachers and principal Jabu Makhoba were supportive and believed in him.
“When they knew I had problems with history they would come and check on me after writing history, and that was very nice and very supportive.”
Netshitavhadulu has not only brought joy to his family, but to the staff and the school governing body.
Last January Makhoba cried after the school's pass rate dropped from 87% to 74% for the matric exams.
This resulted in Makhoba shying away from media interviews.
Over the years, Makhoba’s school has been rated among the best performing in Ekurhuleni.
Though she does not know her 2024 pass rate, Makhoba is over the moon about Netshitavhadulu’s achievement.
“He is a medal and awards collector. I definitely expected level seven for all eight subjects from him, but for him to be invited to the national awards is out of this world,” said Makhoba.
Makhoba described Netshitavhadulu as a hard worker and a responsible and committed pupil.
“This achievement is a huge highlight in my career and for Lethulwazi. I am extremely excited about this achievement. He is one of the best-behaved boys at school, thanks to the parents.”
“I’m so proud of my son and I’m so happy for him, I didn’t expect this, but I knew that he would pass because he was committed,” said his mother, Maele Netshitavhadulu.
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