From left are, acting deputy principal Armand Anhuizen, acting principal William Stockenstroom, Kimberly Mudiwa and head of department Adré Gordon.
The determination of a Cathkin High school matriculant to complete her schooling despite her difficulties, led to her being acknowledged at a Western Cape Education Department (WCED) awards ceremony.
Kimberly Mudiwa received an award for excelling under difficult circumstances at the WCED’s Metro Central Education District’s award ceremony, on Tuesday February 28.
She achieved one distinction, three Bs and one C, among others, for her final matric results last year.
Her matric year was anything but easy. She walked about 10km every day from Langa to Heideveld (and back) to attend school, as her domestic-worker mother was left with nothing after paying their rent and buying food.
According to her Afrikaans teacher, Armand Anhuizen, Kimberly was never late for school, even when she had to walk through the rain during winter.
“There were times when Kimberly sat in class, with her wet school uniform. She is a diligent learner, always doing her best, and she would always enquire if she didn’t understand anything - even during her breaks.
“She also attended all the extra classes on Saturdays and after school on Wednesdays. Afrikaans is her fourth language, and she passed it even though it was a difficult language for her to learn.”
Her class teacher and head of department, Adré Gordon, also described Kimberly as a hard-working, motivated and determined pupil.
“She definitely deserves the award. She faced so many challenges. During her Grade 12 year, she was also worried about her status in the country, as she is Zimbabwean. I could see that it demotivated her, and I had to step in to help. As a school, we sorted it out, after many engagements with the WCED. Now look at what she achieved. I am so proud. She was also active in a non-profit organisation and took part in their programmes.”
Kimberly is the eldest of three children, and the financial situation at home is tough.
“There were times I wanted to give up, but I kept going,” she said. “My mother and teachers motivated me. There was a time I felt alone and I broke down. The counselling I received from the organisation I was involved with helped me a lot. It was Ms Gordon who introduced me to the organisation and I am so grateful for that. Because of the help I received there, it inspired me to work on my next goal, and that is to study psychology.”
Principal William Stockenstroom said Kimberly’s achievement had been a collective effort from her and all the staff at the school - not just the teaching staff.
“This award is an acknowledgement of Kimberly’s character and determination. I also need to acknowledge all our staff who all play a vital role in nurturing and educating our learners. Ms Gordon is like a mother to all her learners. She inspired her class of 2022,” Mr Stockenstroom said.
Her mother, Lovenss Ndongwe, said she is very proud of her daughter for having completed her matric during trying times.