My Journey
From Langa to the University of the Free State, every step has shaped who I am today. This is my story.
The Beginning
IsiXhosa sithi umntwana u qhathwa nge bele ukuze alale (this means: the baby is soothed by the breast to fall asleep). The crying, the warmth, and sleepless nights that I don't remember but heard from my parents. My mom used to say I was a crybaby, and I wouldn't want anyone except her and my dad. I guess then I knew where to find peace. Now, I see the first version of me before many factors shaped me.
Gertie's Creche
My mom first took me to iKhaya Labantu, my first crèche. She later found out I wasn’t being treated well there, so she moved me to another one called eThembeni. But even there, we used to sleep on the floor, and she didn’t like that either. Then, she found Gertie’s Crèche, and that’s where this picture was taken, my first graduation. Funny thing is that my matric ball partner told me she was in the same crèche too. What are the odds? Maybe life brings people and moments full circle when you least expect it.
Isilimela High School
Fast forward to grade 10. In the middle is our class teacher Ms. Tsoanyane, the best geography teacher any student can get. We were done writing and just enjoying the leisure of being at school. I guess my teacher was happy to have us to be her student and asked me to take them this picture. Thinking about it, now I wish I was in the picture too. My guy Philani and Nyamela, standing there with their easy smile.
Hexa Brooderz
This was my high school squad, we called ourselves Hexa Brooderz (SNKLPM: Sanda, Nyamela, Khanya, Luyolo, Philani, and Mkhuseli). Philani, Mkhuseli, and Nyamela were in Grade 10A, while Luyolo and Khanya were in 10B. I knew Luyolo since Grade 5 back at Zimasa Primary (😂 they used to call him my man). I met Khanya a year later in Grade 6. He still argues that he brought the crew together, but let’s be honest… it was me. I became close friends with Nyamela and Philani since we were in the same class. Khanya was the smart one, so I’d pull up with my guys to his place for study sessions. Sometimes we’d meet at Sibonokuhle’s place (yes, there was definitely a crush involved, and it wasn't me😁). After a while, the crew became tight. We started hanging out, and like any broke high schoolers, we found creative ways to make a little cash. We used to mop classrooms after school just so we could buy Gatsby, a legendary Cape Town sandwich. Looking back now, it wasn’t really about the Gatsby.
Physical Science class
2017, we were fifty something and the number went down to the people you see now. We had a substitute teacher Ms. Sivunga, she took this photo. She was tall, kind, and one of those teachers who didn’t have to raise her voice to be heard. Man! Look at how much time changes things. The noise, the jokes, the dreams. We didn’t know it then, but those were some of the best days.
Just Grace
At first, I joined Just Grace as a student, frankly speaking, it was because my friends were attending and I wanted to improve my marks. However, it soon became much more than that. The volunteers supported us with our studies, university applications, and career guidance. At that time, I wanted to do either Law or Computer Science. In 2018 while I was doing grade 11, I began volunteering in the organisation, assisting Grade 9 learners when there were no available volunteers. That is a significant factor that has changed me because now I love tutoring. Let's go check another important factor . . .
Roots of tutoring
We took this picture in 2016 during our Grade 9 farewell at Zimasa Primary School. In Grade 10, I was struggling academically because I was not focused on school. I thought I should change subjects, from pure mathematics to mathematical Literacy. However, the man in this picture next to me encouraged me not to give up. He said, “Don’t change subjects. I will help you with math.” With his support and encouragement from my parents, I pushed through instead of taking the easier route. That decision changed everything for me. I wanted to tutor too because my guy transferred that skill to me. Today, I am proud to say that I am a Mathematics tutor, all because of people who believed.
Last day wearing uniform
This photo was taken on our last day of high school, 26 November 2019 we wrote English Paper 3. I remember not bothering to comb my hair for some period. Because I had seen people like Siya Kolisi, Mandisi Dyantyis, and Ndlozi. Successful men rocking natural, uncombed hair, and I just had thoughts of, “Ah, maybe this is the trend of being rich.” Next to me is Sinalo. We met back in Grade 10, and along with Nyamela, we called ourselves the “Three Ninjas.”
More Than Education
I am a son, brother, grandson, uncle, and friend. My family and friends have been the foundation of every achievement.
This journey continues, and the best is yet to come.