In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, two young South Africans, Malwandla Baloyi and Sboniso Mathebula, overcame significant personal challenges to become top achievers in the Matric Class of 2024. Their stories of perseverance in the face of adversity serve as powerful reminders of the strength of the human spirit.
Malwandla Baloyi, 18, who attended Pretoria New Hope School, has lived with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic condition commonly known as brittle bone disease, since birth. This condition causes her bones to break easily and has left her reliant on a wheelchair for mobility. Alongside this, Baloyi also suffers from scoliosis, a spinal disorder that causes a sideways curve in her spine.

Her academic journey was, as she described, “hectic,” with constant pain from her condition often making it difficult to concentrate on her schoolwork. “I was going through a lot of pain throughout the academic year,” Baloyi said during the top achievers’ ceremony. Despite these physical and emotional challenges, Baloyi made the decision to prioritize her education and push forward.
“At the beginning of the year, I was distracted. I couldn’t focus on my schoolwork because it was very painful, but in the end, I decided to focus on school,” she explained. Baloyi also mentioned that managing her expectations was a challenge, as she often tried to please others, but ultimately learned that her happiness and success mattered most.
When Baloyi received the call informing her she was a top achiever, she was overwhelmed with disbelief and joy. “I was very excited, very happy, as I never expected to be here. It was by God’s grace that I made it here,” she said. Baloyi plans to pursue a degree in psychology at Stellenbosch University, hoping to continue defying the odds in her academic and personal life.
Similarly, Sboniso Mathebula, 18, from Mayflower Secondary School in Mpuluzi, Mpumalanga, faced his own set of hardships. After the death of his parents, Mathebula was raised by his aunt in a financially struggling household. “We had little money for study resources,” he recalled. Despite these obstacles, Mathebula’s circumstances motivated him to succeed.
“My home situation motivated me that if I study hard and be successful, I can change my home situation,” Mathebula said. He added that he aspired to elevate not only his own life but also the lives of others from his community. “My township will be known because of me. I believe that when you rise, you must rise with other people.”
Having grown up without a father figure and with his aunt struggling to make ends meet, Mathebula understood the value of hard work. “She had a child, was not working, but we survived on a Sassa grant,” he explained. Despite these challenges, he is grateful for his achievements. Mathebula intends to study computer science, specializing in mathematics, at the University of Johannesburg. He wants to inspire other children in his township, showing them that no matter where you come from, success is within reach.
The achievements of both Baloyi and Mathebula came as the national pass rate for the 2024 Matric Class reached a historic high of 87.3%, up from 82.9% the previous year. The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, celebrated the record-breaking results, calling it a moment of great pride for the country. “This is the highest matric pass rate in the history of our country,” she said, recognizing the hard work and determination of South Africa’s students.
As the Matric Class of 2024 embarks on their next steps in life, Baloyi and Mathebula’s stories stand as shining examples of what can be achieved when determination and hope guide the way, no matter the obstacles one may face.