Top achiever looks forward to a brighter future

With six distinctions to his credit, 17-year-old Abiedo Shanduka is already looking forward to taking calculated risks at the University of Witwatersrand.

This after he was awarded a full bursary by the Gauteng Provincial Government for being one of Gauteng’s top performing pupils in the Class of 2011, with a 100% pass in Physical Sciences.

Shanduka, who will be studying towards an Actuarial Science degree, comes from Meadowlands Secondary School in Soweto, which was marred by disruptions last year.

But thanks to intervention by the Gauteng Department of Education through the Secondary School Intervention Programme (SSIP), he was able to defy all odds to emerge at the top of the rankings.

Shanduka attributed his achievements to hard work and focus.

“There were a lot of disruptions at our school last year but I decided not to let them get in my way. I studied hard and my dedication finally paid off, “he said.

The humble teenager also credited the SSIP, which was launched by the Department of Education in 2010, for his success.

The programme targets learners from underperforming high schools across the province and provides them with extra tuition support.

This intervention has borne fruits as the province achieved 33 989 distinctions, with 6 109 of those coming from township schools.

Shanduka’s jubilant father, LLyod Mamali, said he was overwhelmed with joy over his son’s achievements.

“I cannot begin to express my pleasure considering the problems that the school encountered last year. I am very happy he did not let obstacles derail him, “he said.

Mamali encouraged other parents to be supportive of their kids and to always be there for them during difficult times.

For his efforts, Shanduka also received a laptop, BlackBerry cellphone and a printer.

Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy congratulated Shanduka and said the results are a true reflection of the cooperation, support and teamwork among learners, educators, department officials, parents, communities and stakeholders.

Enquiries:
Charles Phahlane
Cell: 071 860 4496