Zululand’s matric bright sparks
Zululand’s top achievers say hard work was their only trump card for academic excellence.
ENDING weeks of anticipation and nervousness, pupils who sat for the National Senior Certificate examination queued up at schools early on Tuesday morning for the final verdict.
From heads hung in disappointment, tears of shock to shrieks of delight and fulfilment, Zululand pupils once again set new benchmarks with impressive academic performances.
Taking no shortcuts for success, Zululand’s top achievers say hard work was their only trump card for academic excellence.
Flying the flag high for St Catherine’s was Kate Dalais who secured top honours with a sterling performance of nine distinctions in Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Accounting, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics 3 and Geography.
The bubbly Empangeni lass, who said she prayed before every examination paper, could not believe the astounding result.
‘The key to success is determination and perseverance, and simply never giving up.
‘This can only be achieved through good time management and balancing work with sport and social activities,’ said Kate.
She will be heading off to UCT shortly to study B Com Accounting.
‘I would like to thank all my teachers from St Catherine’s for their constant support and guidance throughout the years.
‘I would also like to thank my family for being there for me and for supporting me.
‘I believe that to succeed and be happy, you have to believe in yourself, believe in God and trust that He has a plan for you. ‘
St Catherine’s Principal Vanessa Janse van Rensburg said hard work and diligence had paid off at her school.
‘The results are absolutely magnificent! Kate really deserves this result as she has consistently worked hard. Congratulations to the entire class of 2013.’
Other achievers at St Catherine’s were Carrie Ann Aingworth, Gabriella Marais and Natasha Stegen, who obtained six distinctions apiece.
Old Mill
Another Empangeni achiever – Mthokozisi Dlamini of Old Mill High School scooped a whopping eight distinctions.
Principal Lawrence Mbambo was ecstatic after hearing the news.
‘I am over the moon! We were expecting this from Mthokozisi. Since Grade 9 he has been a disciplined and promising student.
‘I wish his parents were still alive to see this.
‘His dad was the former Rector of the University of Zululand and the former Head of Department for the KZN Department of Education. Both highly intelligent men, definitely like father, like son. I am just so happy,’ he said.
Also taking home eight distinctions was Empangeni High’s top all-rounder, Sandra Mansvelder.
‘I am very happy with this result. I thank God for his strength and my parents for their support.
‘I will be studying Actuarial Science at the University of Free State this year.’
‘She is not only an academic achiever but was the Sports Girl of the Year several times,’ said Principal Zelda Mathee.
‘She is humble, an unbelievable star and just an angel from above. We are extremely proud of her.’
Three pupils from eShowe High School scored seven distinctions apiece: Charlene Beukes, Saadiya Shaik and Leonie Yagamburam.
Also from eShowe, Gcawaluluwazi High pupils Nikiwe Khoza and Thembelihle Majozi scored six distinctions each.
Ulundi schools
James Nxumalo Agricultural High school pupils Lungile Buthelezi and Thando Khumalo were the top pupils in their matric class with seven and six distinctions respectively.
Masibunbane High also in Ulundi produced top results with Simphiwe Madi receiving seven distinctions and Phiweyo Buthelezi six distinctions.
