Tough rural conditions, limited study resources and sharing school grounds with goats did not deter St James Senior Secondary School matriculant Luvo Luzipho from becoming the top pupil in the province.
Luvo was awarded the title at the national senior certificate top achievers’ gala dinner at the East London International Convention Centre on Tuesday night.
Luvo achieved seven distinctions including 100% passes in three subjects: maths, geography and physical science.
Earlier this week, the star pupil was honoured by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga for coming second in the country in maths and science.
An excited Luvo said the win had come as a complete shock.
“I didn’t expect to win, especially not in this category,” he said.
“I was praying that I would win in the historically disadvantaged schools category, but when that category passed and I didn’t hear my name, I thought that was it.
“Little did I know that I was in line for something bigger.”
Hailing from a school deep in rural Cofimvaba, Luvo said his high school years had been tough, mainly because of a lack of teachers.
“When we got to Grade 12 we didn’t have a geography teacher. The school gave us a Grade 11 teacher instead.
“We used all the study materials available to us and even had weekend classes to make sure that we would not fail,” Luvo said.
“Despite St James being a rural school, the principal tried to give us the necessary resources we needed, like a science lab. It wasn’t the best, but it was good enough. There is no library though, but there are some books in storage.”
Luvo, the second of three children, said his biggest motivation had been to make his parents proud and to earn a bursary to pay for his tertiary studies.
The bright pupil received the R80000 premier’s bursary, which he will use towards his dream of becoming an actuary.
Position two in the province went to Selborne College pupil Jain Rohin, who also took first place in the maths and science category nationally, with Lyle Rossouw from Muir College Boys High School in Uitenhage taking third place.
Other winners included the top three pupils from historically disadvantaged schools with Lundi Ntutuka from St Johns College in Mthatha taking first place, Sonwabise Manqoyi, also from St Johns College, coming second and Mihlali Mantyi from Zingisa Comprehensive School in the third spot.
“I’m speechless. Words cannot express the excitement I feel. It was a feat I never thought I would achieve,” said Lundi, who won seven distinctions, with two 100% passes for geography and life orientation.
A host of scholars from across the provincial education districts were also hailed for their achievements and received prizes of trophies, certificates and cellphones.
The dinner was attended by education MEC Mandla Makupula, Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle, head of the education portfolio committee Kholiswa Fihlane, teachers and pupils.
“The class of 2014 have really made us proud,” Masualle said.
“To those who did not achieve, there is always another opportunity and we will try all in our power to provide you with the necessary support.” — zisandan@dispatch.co.za