From hospital bed to top matric achiever for Kuilsriver pupil

HER journey to becoming one of the country’s top achievers for the Class of 2025 was one marked by several hurdles including a hospital stay. 

But, Takunda Muchweni’'s story is testament to the strength of the human spirit. The wheelchair-bound  pupil from Jan Kriel School in Kuilsriver has proven that with determination and focus, even her disability could not stand in her way to the top. 

She was among the country's 42 top achievers honoured by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during the annual breakfast event in Fairlands, Johannesburg on Monday. 

Takunda’s proud mother, Tamari Muchweni, speaking on the challenges her 18-year-old daughter had to face, said that resilience paved the way for Takunda's academic achievements.

"It is a proud moment for us as a family. We are really beyond excited, but more importantly, we are also grateful that we could be here today. This is a dream we never thought could be achieved due to our child's disability, which affects her health and day-to-day function," she said.

During Takunda's hospital stay ahead of her exams, Muchweni said that the family's visit included lots of studying while she was recovering in the hospital. 

"There were nights she could not sleep because she was in pain. However, throughout that, she was studying. She was communicating with her teachers. We had to bring her books so she could study while in the hospital," the mother said.

Takunda will study Industrial Psychology.

"I am very proud of myself because this journey was quite difficult. However, I could not have done it without the help of my parents," Takunda stated.

KZN top achiever, Simesihle Khuzwayo, a learner from the King Bhekuzulu College in Nongoma, was also confronted with health related challenges ahead of the crucial exams. Like Takunda, she had to do a lot of catching up, having  missed a part of her academic calendar.

"During my matric year, I felt sick and missed most of my Winter classes. However, despite this, I had to try and catch up, which meant a great deal of studying through the use of TikTok and calling my teachers in the wee hours. I watched a lot of videos and even found tutors on social media," she stated.

Khuzwayo intends to study medicine, which she said is a choice inspired by her recent and prior health challenges, as well as her childhood experiences.

Waking up at 4am to fetch water has become second nature for Sanele Vilakazi from Makause Combined School, who resides in an informal settlement in Waya Waya, Ogies.

The young man, who wants to study Data Science, believes that dedication and perseverance have contributed to his success, which he hopes to take with him as he ventures into his university life.

"In Waya Waya, there is no electricity, and there is no water. Every morning and afternoon, I had to go to the river to fetch water, and that was the worst challenge in my matric year."

Remarking on the resilience and dedication shown by the top achievers, Gwarube thanked the group as well as their parents and teachers, who have contributed to their overall success.

"Behind every high-achieving learner is a home that made sacrifices. A home that chose discipline over comfort, encouragement over despair...To the teachers watching from classrooms, across the country, as they prepare to receive learners back to school, this celebration is yours too," she said.

Cape Times