Lungiso matric makes history

MLUNGISI MAKHANYA, 17, from Lungiso Secondary in KwaNonzamo has beaten all the odds by becoming the first pupil in the history of the school to attain five distinctions in the matric finals.
Makhanya was totally overwhelmed by his achievement saying he was hoping for B‘s. “I worked so hard and now it‘s paid off. I‘ve made history,” said a delighted Makhanya.
Makhanya hails from a single parent household where his mother, Sizakele who works as a domestic worker, is the sole breadwinner.
“My mother is my big inspiration. Despite having very little money she never begrudged me anything and for her I want to go on and make a huge success of my life,” says Makhanya.
They live in a very close-knit community which takes care of each other. The neighbours and friends all shared in his success.
“I‘ve been treated like a hero,” claims the humble young man.
He also sang the praises of his teachers who he said gave them all the necessary support and tools. All they, as pupils, had to do was apply themselves and really work hard.
He said he took a decision in February last year to pull out all stops and work as hard as he could in order to do well enough to be accepted at a university.
“I was determined to achieve good year end results.
I want to study mechatronics engineering at the NMMU and was prepared to go to any length to be accepted.” In the run-up to and for the duration of the final exams Makhonya said he and three of his friends had no social life, they watched no TV and the likes of Mix-It was put on hold while studying took priority. This they did in a garage.
Lungiso‘s principal, Sebenzile Hoko, said they were extremely proud of Makhanya, who was a hard worker.
He wished Makhanya well and congratulated him on becoming the first pupil in the school‘s history to achieve such excellent results.
However, many of his friends will be left behind as the school had a 63% pass rate. Hoko said this was a 30% increase on last year.
He said the school had identified science subjects as a major problem and tried rectifying this by having a twinning agreement with Nico Malan High School, which had been very beneficial for their pupils.
Lungiso learners attended lessons at Nico after hours. Makhanya confirmed that these lessons were of great help to him.
At the time of going to press Makhanya had not yet heard if his application for a full bursary to study at NMMU was successful.
Executive Mayor of the Kouga, Robbie Dennis, has, however, given the assurance that the municipality will step in and help Makhanya by awarding him with a bursary.
Makhanya‘s results were: Xhosa 84%; maths 82 %; English 87%; life orientation 88%; life science 80%; Afrikaans 65% and physical science 63%.

CINDY LIEBENBERG