Fresh from bagging an incredible 8 distinctions for matric, Engen Maths and Science School learner, Elethu Gcabashe is determined to make the Dean’s list every year until she graduates from university, so that she can prove that a girl from Umlazi can do it at Africa’s leading tertiary institution.

Elethu’s fierce determination stems from a year of emotional struggle, which included anxiety and depression, to ultimately overcome the odds and notch up an impressive 93% for mathematics and 95% for science in matric.

It is these results that secured her a place at the University of Cape Town to study Bachelor of Business Science specialising in Finance with Accounting.

An alumnus of Zwelibanzi High School in Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal, Elethu is determined to fulfill her dream of qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.

For motivation, she reminds herself that God didn't take her this far only to leave her here.

“I am strongly driven by hope for a better tomorrow,” reflects Elethu.

Her advice for the matric class of 2022?

“Matric leaners should prepare themselves mentally and physically because doing matric in this day and age is a war against all the temptations like alcohol, drugs and partying that teens are exposed to in our society.”

Elethu has high praise for her family for their unwavering encouragement throughout her school career.

“They have always been my support system and motivated me to be the best that I can be.” 

But it was the Engen Maths and Science School supplementary classes on Saturdays, says Elethu, that provided her with crucial insights in Maths, Physical Sciences and English and “really assisted me to reach my full potential.”

“These extra lessons from grade 10-12 gave me insights on how questions are asked in the exam.

“I was also exposed to different teachers at the EMSS and we revised a lot of past papers which helped me prepare for the exams.”  

The Engen Maths and Science Schools have run for over 35 years, and offer underprivileged grade 10-12 learners free supplementary Maths, Science and English tuition on Saturdays at ten locations across South Africa.