A sterling school career

MARYANNE ISAAC

HAVING achieved seven distinctions in his National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, Lesego Sithole is proof that if you set your mind to something and diligently work towards your goal you will succeed.

Sithole began his schooling journey at St Stithians Boys’ College as a Grade 8 pupil in 2016. His mother found out about the Student Sponsorship Programme (SSP) scholarship when he was in Grade 4. He was one of 3 000 pupils who applied for the scholarship and was selected to attend St Stithians Boys’ College along with few others.

Academics formed a big part of Sithole’s life. He was dux of the school each year and believes there were several things that set him apart from his peers – he had an impeccable work ethic and surrounded himself with likeminded pupils, who would push him to do better. He also he learnt to allow himself to fail and to treat it as a learning opportunity.

He was involved in an array of school activities and soon discovered a passion for culture and music. He also went on two overseas tours with the Duke of Cornwall Singers, one in Grade 8 as a member of the Boys’ College Choir and one in Grade 11 where he became an integral member of the dukes. The tours gave Sithole exposure to places he never imagined he would visit.

Sithole credits much of his success to the support he received during his time at the college from families and staff members of the school and boarding house. He is grateful for the relationships that were formed and describes his final year in the boarding house as a highlight of his school career.

In his matric year, he became the deputy head boy and faced several challenges related to Covid-19. However, he describes it as interesting, saying he had to adapt and redefine the role of deputy. He found he had to be interactive with and supportive of the learners, going beyond the administrative role that the position traditionally required.

He is grateful for the learning opportunities that Covid-19 created, particularly the skill of managing people from a distance.

Sithole has applied for an Allan Gray scholarship to study actuarial science at UCT.

LESEGO Sithole with St Stithians Boys’ College head David du Toit.