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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ntando obtained six distinctions and has been accepted at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for Biochemistry course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He received 91% in Maths, 99% in Life Science, 88% in Physical Sciences, 83% in IsiXhosa, 81% in English and 86% in Life Orientation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The soft spoken Ntando said he did not expect such good results. \u201cI 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\u2019t believe it,\u201d said Ntando. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said his achievement means a lot to his family as he is the first to pass matric with flying colours. \u201cMy goal is to save people\u2019s lives and also change the life of my family,\u201d he stated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He attributed his success to his former teacher, classmates and God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMost 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\u2019t have power to achieve what I did,\u201d said Ntando. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he said even though he received financial aid from the government, he still needs help. \u201cI received the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and I got a residential place at UCT but I don\u2019t have studying equipment like laptops, books and other things. I applied for bursaries but I didn\u2019t get it,\u201d said Ntando. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ntando\u2019s grandmother, Nozakhe Lalela, said she cried when she saw him from school on Friday 20 January. \u201cI 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,\u201d said Nozakhe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The family celebrated the achievement by hosting a braai for him. \u201cWe 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,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She described Ntando as a quiet and humble person. \u201cNtando likes to read the bible. He doesn\u2019t talk a lot. He is always indoors\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 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