Orphan tops District matrics
Empangeni matriculant Mthokozisi Dlamini takes the top spot in the uThungulu District
WALKING in the legacy of his late parents, who would have been proud to witness his academic achievement, Mthokozisi Dlamini was on Tuesday named top matric pupil in the uThungulu District’s class of 2013.
The Old Mill High School pupil scooped an impressive eight distinctions, scoring 99% in Maths, 98% in Physical Science and 96% in Agricultural Sciences.
Mthokozisi was congratulated along with other top performing KZN pupils a special awards ceremony hosted by Education MEC Peggy Nkonyeni and Premier Senzo Mchunu in Durban.
‘I didn’t expect this but all gratitude and credit goes to God for He was surely on my side.
‘It was hard work on a daily basis and I thank my school for their support. My teachers are not of mediocrity,’ said Mthokozisi.
The unassuming lad, who overcame the death of his mum and dad in 2007 and 2008 respectively, thanked his uncle and aunt for putting him through school.
The 17 year-old who wants to study either Actuarial Sciences or Chemical Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand, is hoping to secure a bursary.
‘He makes us so proud and motivates other pupils to follow in his footsteps,’ said Principal Lawrence Mbambo
‘Since Grade 9 he has been a humble and disciplined student, topping his class every year. He also represented KZN at national level in chess last year.
Mthokozisi was placed ahead of Hoërskool Richardsbaai headgirl Alicia Boshoff who also scored eight distinctions with an additional distinction for AP Maths written in the Independent Examination Board exams.
Taking third place was Sandra Mansvelder of Empangeni High School with her eight distinctions.
Melmoth’s Thabani Ngubane of KwaNxusa High took fourth place with his seven distinctions while John Ross College’s Christelle Naidoo came in fifth position with her eight distinctions.
Tholokuhle High’s Sbusiso Wonderboy Mncwango, who obtained six distinctions, was the top candidate in the district for both Maths and Physical Science.
He plans to study Chemical Engineering at the University of KZN this year.
Topping the Accounting class of 2013 was Khombindlela High’s Andile Gazu.
In Zululand, matriculants of the uThungulu District posted a 72.7% pass rate, up from the previous year’s 67.2% while the Zululand District achieved a 75.7% pass rate followed by uMkhanyakude’s 74.2%.
