Musawenkosi, a young maths prodigy from KwaThema’s Ext 3 in Ekurhuleni, is proving that determination knows no bounds. In 2023, the Zimisele Secondary School student defied the odds by winning the prestigious SAIPA Accounting and Maths Olympiad, outshining students from some of the country’s most affluent schools. Now, in 2024, he has soared to even greater heights, earning a place as Gauteng’s Top Matric Learner after scoring an impressive 1,721 marks in his final exams.Despite coming from humble beginnings, Musawenkosi’s journey has been one of resilience and ambition. In grade 11, he faced challenges that many might consider insurmountable, yet he triumphed, earning a sponsorship that provided him with the data to focus on his studies. This support helped him excel in his grade 12 year, securing top marks across all his subjects, including a remarkable 299/300 in Mathematics.

 

 

On January 14, 2024, Musawenkosi returned to a hero’s welcome in his community, where locals celebrated his success with singing, ululating, and jubilant street parades. He expressed his deep gratitude to his school and teachers, especially Sabelo Duze, his maths teacher at Zimisele Secondary. “I want to tell the children in my community that their background doesn’t define them. Dream big, and work hard,” he shared.

Musawenkosi’s achievement is not just about academics; his personal journey has inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. After struggling with frequent headaches, despite various medical visits, he has decided to study neuroscience, driven by the desire to find solutions not only for his own condition but for others worldwide. With his incredible academic track record and unwavering resolve, Musawenkosi’s future is as bright as his past accomplishments.