By Doreen Mokgolo
- Township teen Musa Buthelezi named Gauteng’s top matric thanks to community support and free extra lessons
- Teachers went beyond classroom help, offering emotional support when poverty pressures got too much.
A 17-year-old maths genius from a poor background in Kwa-Thema has been named Gauteng’s best matric learner for 2024.
Musa Buthelezi from Zimisele Secondary School beat the odds to become one of South Africa’s nine top achievers, thanks to his community’s support.
His success didn’t come as a surprise. Last year, Musa won the national Grade 11 Mathematics and Accounting Olympiad.
His teacher and mentor, Sakhele Duze, says they worked hard for this moment. “I knew he would make us proud. We’ve worked so hard over the years, and this achievement is well-deserved,” said Duze.
The whole community pitched in to help Musa succeed. He got free extra maths lessons on Saturdays from the Go for Gold program, while Duze gave up his time to teach him for free.
Even Lebogang Ramatsha, who earned distinctions in 2016, came back to help with extra maths and science lessons.
“We knew that excelling in these two subjects would guarantee him a scholarship and secure his future,” Duze explained.
The support went beyond just books. “There were times when Musa cried in class because of pressure and challenges at home. I would pray with him and offer support. Another teacher would take him to the mall to help him relax.”
Meanwhile, in nearby Tsakani, deaf learner Sisipho Danisa from North West School for the Deaf also made the top achievers list.
Pictured above: Musa Buthelezi
Source: Supplied
