Qaqamba pupil shines in isiXhosa

Sinelizwi Ntuntu from Qaqamba High School in Duncan Village, explained that he used to wait for all of his siblings to sleep so that he could study, because it was the only chance he had because they all lived in the same room at home.

Ntuntu, 18, received a perfect score in isiXhosa but did not stop there because he did not receive less than an 80% in any of his other subjects.

He stated that he did not simply pass, but that his success was earned because he was restless and knew what he wanted. He stated that many people do not study isiXhosa when writing because they always say it is their home language, but it is not taught in the same way as other subjects.

“I knew I’d pass because I studied and dedicated myself to my studies from a young age. I’ve been making time to study, and there isn’t a single subject that I say I don’t like or don’t need to study.

“I compare and measure my studies in the same way, and that’s the secret that has helped me in my studies,” Ntuntu explained.

Ntuntu, a Cumakala native from Mlungisi, said he used to go to school on weekends even if he was alone because it was the quietest place. He stated that when he returned home, his mother would instruct his younger siblings to sleep so he could study; if they were awake, he would not be able to study peacefully.

When he was in Grade 12, Ntuntu told this newspaper about his difficult journey, recalling how he used to walk to school regardless of the long distance. His mother, Phindi Ntuntu, lost her job and decided to save Sinelizwi’s transportation fare with the little money she had so he could go to school because there is no government-sponsored transportation in their area.

Ntuntu thanks everyone who helped him, especially his teachers. He stated that they made his life easier by providing him with assistance.

He went on to say that the main reason for his commitment is that education is the key to a young person’s future. He stated that he wishes to change his home in order to satisfy his mother, who struggled to make ends meet following her divorce.

He stated that he will study Economics in order to help South Africa’s economy. Some of his plans include continuing to develop isiXhosa, writing a book in the language, and encouraging the youth about the importance of their language in the future.

In last year’s results, the IsiXhosa pass rate fell by 0.2%, from 99.7% to 99.5%.

Sinelizwi’s mother, Phindi, was also present at the ICC in East London when the Department of Education honoured the students. Phindi expressed her pride in her child, and she became emotional as she recalled the difficult road she and her children had travelled together.

Sinelizwi stated that he is already grateful and hopes for a bursary because otherwise it would be difficult.