LISTEN: Top KZN matrics thank parents, community for success
After a nervous wait of more than six weeks, matrics are finally learning how they performed in the National Senior Certificate exams.
For more than 700 000 candidates, it signals the end of 12 years of schooling and the start of their career journey.
Some of the country's top performers are from KwaZulu-Natal.
They say they relied on the support of their parents and teachers to dodge challenges brought on by the pandemic and last year's riots.
A national awards ceremony was held in their honour in Gauteng last night. Iman Khan attended Port Shepstone Secondary School in Albersville in the Ugu District.
READ: Wait finally over for class of ‘21 as matric results released
The 18-year-old who was awarded first place in the quintile four-category plans to study medicine in Cape Town.
"I can surely say as matriculants of 2021, we proved our mettle and we forged through the roughest of circumstances. Especially with Covid-19 breathing fire down our back and uncertainties paving our path during the looting period.
“For me, I was racked in a lot of fear and doubt however I can surely say that with the help from our educators, parents and community, I came over it.”
Mhlengi Shange is another top achiever from the Class of 2021.
The 17-year-old from Menzi High in Umlazi was awarded second place in the four quintile.
He's thinking about pursuing Chemical Engineering or Medicine:
