Whilst the Laudium Sun recently published a list of at least 50 learners, from the class of 2021, who live in the area and obtained three or more distinctions and who were rightfully honoured for their achievements, we believe that one additional name that was not submitted to us on time, deserves special mention on our front page…

The inspiring story of Thabiso Gladwin Nchabeleng, from Itireleng is indeed a lesson of hope for all future martriculants; that ‘the impossible is possible’, and ‘where there is a will there is a way.’Thabiso, who was the top 2021 matric student at Hofmeyer High School in Atteridgeville, obtained 3 distinctions in; Life Sciences, Geography and English and now plans to study Information Technology and Computer Science at the University of Johannesburg.

Thabiso explained to the Laudium Sun that life in Itireleng is not easy, especially for learners, more so with the constant disruptions of electricity and noise. He added, “Coming from a background in which my mother is a domestic worker and my father does piece jobs, being away for most of the time since I was born, I told myself that I have to study hard so that I can have a degree one day and earn well, so that I can better the lives of my parents and give back to my community of Itireleng, by assisting others.”

Thabiso added, “The disruption of electricity in Itireleng was a major problem during my studies, but this did not stop me from studying hard and achieving my successful results. There were days when we had no electricity in Itireleng, so that’s when I stayed over in the afternoons at school on my own and studied in the school classroom, while the other learners were gone home. Many times I did not have food to eat and remained hungry, but that did not bother me, as my priority was to study and work hard so that I could go to University. When the electricity went off whilst I was at home, like during the night, then I would study via candle light.”

The humble student added that because he did not have money to pay for taxis, he often used to walk from Itireleng to his school in Atteridgeville, by walking over the hill. This also saved him time, so that he could get early to school and work on his assignments, in a more peaceful environment with less noise and a chair and desk to work on, instead of sitting on the floor at home. Thabiso concluded, “I am however still waiting for feedback from NASFAS to get accommodation in Jhb, so that I could stay there instead of travelling daily as I don’t have money for transport.”

Smangaliso Mpingo, another top student from Hofmeyer High School and resident of Itireleng, who also deserves mention, achieved one distinction in Life Sciences and has been admitted to study Bio Technology at the University of Western Cape this year, told the Laudium Sun that he is still waiting for NFSAS to approve his accommodation. “My mother is a domestic worker in Laudium and my father passed away just when I was born. I was the second top achiever at Hofmeyer High School from my matric group.”

ANC Ward councillor, Naeem Patel said he was very proud of Thabiso’s achievement, adding, “He proved that although coming from an informal area like Itireleng, his will to learn never stopped, and he came out victorious.”

Councillor Naeem confirmed to the Laudium Sun that when he heard of Smangaliso’s plight for transport to go to Cape Town for his studies, he immediately pledged to pay his air fare, “I know that has worked very hard. All learners should look up to Thabiso and Smangaliso as their role models, because they have proven that anything is possible, if you put your mind to it. Remember what Madiba said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”