By Doreen Mokgolo
- Musa Buthelezi, a 17-year-old Kwa-Thema learner, celebrated for excelling in matric results, scoring 100% in Mathematics.
- Musa says his success came from community and family support. He also said he will study neurology at the University of Cape Town.
The maths genius and Gauteng top learner, Musa Buthelezi, received a welcoming celebration from residents in his township of Kwa-Thema in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old learner was returning home from ceremonies announcing the matric results, both national and provincial, and honouring top achievers.
Residents paraded him through Maziya and Mojela streets singing in celebration of his achievements.
Musa is the second-best scorer nationally and the top learner in Gauteng in quintile three schools.
He achieved 92% in isiZulu Home Language, 91% English, 100% in Mathematics, 94% in Life Orientation, 97% in Geography, 97% in Life Sciences and 97% in Physical Science.
He credited his achievement to the collective support of his family, teachers, community and private institutions.
Musa told Scrolla.Africa that he started preparing for the Grade 12 exams in December 2023.
“I downloaded and collected previous question papers, and by the time I reached the end of the first semester, I was done with most of the syllabuses.
“I would also offer free lessons to some of my friends and share new materials that I would come across during my research to find solutions to solving mathematics equations,” he said.
Just before his preliminary exams, he started experiencing constant migraines and felt burned out.
“Doctors ran tests but they couldn’t find anything wrong with me.
“I was worried about my condition and started researching about migraines and their causes. Then I fell in love with neurology and decided to study the field.”
He has been accepted to study medicine at the University of Cape Town and plans to specialise in neurology to later work as a medical researcher.
The top achiever credited his success to the collective support of his family, teachers, community and private companies.
“Even though I come from a poor background, I didn’t once feel like I lacked anything related to my studies.
“The teachers paid for my extra lessons; one company donated a tablet with monthly data and through their support I managed to come out victorious,” he said.
Musa’s mother, Dela Buthelezi, said she is proud of her son.
“He has been working hard day and night. I would sit with him while he studied. We are grateful for all the support he received.”
Pictured above: Gauteng’s top matriculant Musa Buthelezi, with his teacher and ward councillor.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
