The Lalela family from Ekuphumleni, in Khayelitsha, is still in shock after their child, Ntando (17) was declared top learner at Manyano High School in Khayelitsha from the matric class of 2021.
Ntando obtained six distinctions and has been accepted at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for Biochemistry course.
He received 91% in Maths, 99% in Life Science, 88% in Physical Sciences, 83% in IsiXhosa, 81% in English and 86% in Life Orientation.
The soft spoken Ntando said he did not expect such good results. “I was studying very hard during the matric final exams but I was also surprised when I was informed by the school principal that I am a top learner. I couldn’t believe it,” said Ntando.
He said his achievement means a lot to his family as he is the first to pass matric with flying colours. “My goal is to save people’s lives and also change the life of my family,” he stated.
He attributed his success to his former teacher, classmates and God.
“Most of the time I was studying alone at home. I used to go out to other learners only if they asked me to come and assist them on certain subjects. And also thanked all the school teachers for their great support. But I believe without God in my life I wouldn’t have power to achieve what I did,” said Ntando.
However, he said even though he received financial aid from the government, he still needs help. “I received the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and I got a residential place at UCT but I don’t have studying equipment like laptops, books and other things. I applied for bursaries but I didn’t get it,” said Ntando.
Ntando’s grandmother, Nozakhe Lalela, said she cried when she saw him from school on Friday 20 January. “I was sitting in the house. I heard cars making noise hooting outside. When I went out to check I saw him getting out from one of the cars coming to me waving his statements of symbols. I hugged and kissed him,” said Nozakhe.
The family celebrated the achievement by hosting a braai for him. “We had a braai on Sunday 23 January as family members together with the church and community members. They gave him words of wisdom trying to motivate him,” she said.
She described Ntando as a quiet and humble person. “Ntando likes to read the bible. He doesn’t talk a lot. He is always indoors”.
