MTUBATUBA pupil Nothando Pretty Zulu was recently awarded the first runner-up prize in an international essay competition after writing about how Oprah Winfrey has inspired her.
‘I have been inspired by Oprah and what she has achieved, which is why I chose her as the subject of my essay,’ said Nothando.
The competition was run by Scottish organisation Inspire Aspire, which has partnered a Scottish high school with Ikusasalethu Secondary. The partnership seeks to strengthen rural South African schools through international exchanges.
Competition entrants had to write an essay about which person has inspired them the most.
‘As education is the best weapon to change the world, I want to first get a good education and then do charity work to help others’, said Nothando.
The Grade 10 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School near Mtubatuba is a top achiever in physical sciences and plans to study chemical engineering at university.
‘One day I would like to inspire other young women, particularly in science and maths, as I have been inspired in my life.’
Nothando was awarded a certificate and medal for being first runner-up and has also her family to thank for her inspiration.
‘I would like to thank my brother Sizwe Zulu and my mother Ma Zulu, who have both encouraged me to read everything, which has given me a good general knowledge’.
