By Akani Nkuna
Thabo Seota, a top matric achiever from Sekeleka Senior Secondary School in Limpopo, has credited resilience, discipline and teacher support for his success after overcoming financial hardship at home to place among the country’s best performers.
Seota told Inside Education that growing up in a single-mother-led household meant money was tight and even basics like data for schoolwork were not guaranteed. He said teachers stepped in after recognising his commitment and potential.
“It was kind of hard, but I got help from some of my teachers because they could see potential in me and said ‘we do not want to let it to go to waste’”.
ALSO READ: Limpopo Education tells flood-hit Vhembe, Mopani schools to delay reopening
Seota secured third position for top achievers in Quintile 2 schools, achieving 100% for both Accounting and Business Studies.
He got distinctions in all seven subjects, including 93% for Economics, 95% for Mathematics Literacy, 91% for English FAL, 85% for Sepedi HL and 91% in Life Orientation.
Seota said he wants to follow in his later father’s footsteps and pursue a career in law.
He said he had chosen law to “do good and bring an end to the injustices” facing ordinary South African citizens.
He urged matric learners to take control early, saying his own path could have ended very differently after he spent the first two terms relaxed and earning low marks.
ALSO READ: St John’s College top achiever Siza Gule set for Harvard
Seota said the reality of his background only fully sank in after term three, pushing him to apply himself with urgency when he realised he could change his family’s fortunes.
“Matric is not something you can underestimate, it requires a lot of effort from you as a learner. It needs dedication. My journey, I am not going to lie, was tough,” Seota added.
He highlighted the importance of proper planning and self-management to get good results, including a structured study timetable and revision schedule.
Despite the school not having a Mathematics Literacy teacher for almost the whole academic year — a Physical Science teacher voluntarily filled in — Seota also credited extra classes for helping him reach his goals.
INSIDE EDUCATION
