Leboneng (Lebo) Qhena, 18, from Dunoon’s ZweZwe shanty town says he couldn’t believe his eyes when he first saw his report card: he is the top matriculant at Inkwenkwezi High School in Dunoon.

“Six distinctions?” he says in disbelief.

He knew he had worked hard, he says, but adds that 2024 was a tough year for him with personal trials he doesn’t want to talk about, and he had feared they might undermine his efforts.

But in the end, his singular goal to “create a better life for himself and his family” carried him through.

Lebo, the oldest of three, is the first person in his family to pass matric. He recalls using the light from his phone or a candle to study at night for his exams.

The family “managed to survive” from the odd jobs his two unemployed parents worked, he says, adding that he dreams of one day being successful enough to meet all his family’s needs.

But Lebo’s struggles aren’t over yet. He says because he is originally from Lesotho, his application for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to fund his studies for a BSc at UCT, majoring in computer science and artificial intelligence was declined

He has now submitted his final results to the scheme and is “keeping fingers crossed” it will reconsider, he says.

If the state funding doesn’t come through, he plans to look for a job or do maintenance work to save up for his studies, he says.

Lebo thanked his parents, his principal and his teachers for believing in him, and being allowed to stay after school so he could study was crucial, he says.

“One day, I will call Tabletalk and say I did it because I want to make a difference in this country by using artificial intelligence, and I believe that it is possible.”

Inkwenkwezi High School’s principal, Tyobile Beauty, says she is very proud of Lebo. Each child at the school has a unique story with a “heartbreaking” background, but, just like Lebo, they can “defy the odds”, she says.

Lebo, as well as second-placed Liyema Sigudu and third-placed Asakhanya Mahlulo, did not allow their circumstances to get the better of them, she says, adding that she hopes to use their stories to inspire Inkwenkwezi’s pupils so that the school can build on its 81.6% pass rate to score 100% in the next matric exams.

She encouraged the public to help source funds for Lebo’s education, saying, “He is a brilliant boy, please support his dreams.”

Email Lebo at proff.qhena@gmail.com