KHOMBINDLELA High School Grade 8 pupil Phelelani Mthembu’s dream of improving the lives of his impoverished family seems to be gaining momentum.
This after he was awarded a scholarship to further his studies at the University of Pretoria.
The 14-year-old was awarded the scholarship after excelling at the Transnet Foundation race held in September in Pretoria, where he scooped first prizes in both the 1 500m and 3 000m races.
Mthembu was representing KwaZulu-Natal in the national athletics championships.
The Nhlabane-born youngster is not only doing remarkably well on the athletics field, but is also shining in his studies as well.
An elated Khombindlela High School Principal, Mrs LNT Ntuli, could not contain her excitement at the news that her golden boy has put her school on the map.
‘We are thrilled, particularly as we have been known for producing excellence in academic affairs only. Now people will have to start looking at Khombindlela in a different light. The boy has raised the flag of the school, and we are so proud to have been part of his journey and we wish him all the best,’ said Ntuli.
Mthembu said his biggest wish was to build a decent house for his family through road running.
‘I want to follow in the steps of my role model Bongumusa Mthembu, the 2014 Comrades Marathon winner, who has built a decent house for his parents. With both discipline and talent at my disposal, I believe I can go far,’ he said.
