I am a 17 year old(soon to turn 18),Azisiwe Nqweniso. I hail from the dusty roads of Qongqotha Locations,one of KWT’s surrounding villages. I attended my primary school at Qongqotha L/H Primary school and later went on to Xolani Senior Senior Secondary School where I recently matriculated,in year 2018,with FOUR distinctions. Yes Four distinctions, a girl from a village managed to do that.

I was lucky enough to be bought up in a family that was and still is full of love and I’m supported all the time. My journey in high school wasn’t an easy one but today I can proudly say it was all worth it in the end. I remember how I had to sacrifice my social life for my academics, it wasn’t an easy decision but I had to do it for my future. I remember how I used to sleep after 3 am studying for my exams and at times I hated every moment of that. But today I can say all my sacrifices paid off.

Today I am currently enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand where I’ll be doing Bachelor of Accounting Sciences. One day I wish to become a chartered accountant.  I don’t know what the future holds for me but I am just ready.

To all those who think they can’t do,I want to tell you that it is possible. If a girl from a disadvantaged background like me could do it then why can’t you? You CAN and you could even do better than me. All that you need to do is to put in a little effort,sacrifice nice time,commit yourself and be ready to be abused by your books but one day they’ll make you smile. Study hard,and study in time.

Remember “If your dreams don’t scare you then they ain’t big enough”
Good luck and all the best to the class of 2019.

Azisiwe also took part in The Presidents Award, debating during her time at Xolani SSS.

Well done to Xolani Senior Secondary School for achieving third place in a debating competition hosted by the liquor board of South Africa on the 15th of February 2017, the event was hosted at the Steve Biko Center in King Williams Town.