By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – In a small house in Harankopane, Malefetsane Disanyane (17), recently celebrated a milestone that seemed almost out of reach: passing his matric. His journey was anything but ordinary because he managed to get a bachelor’s pass despite living alone.
Growing up in a child-headed household, Disanyane faced challenges that would have defeated many. Yet, through determination, family support, and the encouragement of his teachers, he emerged victorious.
In an interview with The Guard, Disanyane revealed that his mother passed away when he was just five years old, and he never knew his father. Left with his siblings, he grew up under difficult circumstances. His mother had five children, but two have since passed on, leaving Disanyane as the youngest; he has two older sisters.
His oldest sister Mosa Disanyane lives with her father in Monontsha but often comes to check on him. His second sister Puleng Disanyane, who is a student at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein, stepped in to support him as best she could, often checking in and providing for him despite her own limited resources.
“Sometimes there was no food in the house. Other times, the electricity would go off, and I had no light to study by. It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to push forward.
My grandmother passed away in 2022 so I lived alone and sometimes I’m scared because I’ve experienced a lot of housebreak-ins. My grandmother’s best friend who lives nearby sometimes checks on me and helps where she can.”
The teachers at Tsebo Secondary School (SS) also played a pivotal role in his success. Recognizing his potential, they encouraged him and even bought him a matric jacket as a symbol of his hard work and dedication.
“What I know is that the teachers supported him because he was a disciplined but vulnerable learner, who comes from a child headed family. He’s a very good soccer player. It’snot a surprise that he has done so well,” Tsebo SS teacher Tshepiso Senyane said.
Puleng Disanyane speaks proudly of her brother saying the following in an interview with this publication; “Malefetsane has always been a bright learner. When I saw his Grade 11 report, I knew he had potential, even though his performance had dropped slightly. I called him regularly to check on him and motivate him. He’s always been determined.”
Malefetsane passed his matric with a bachelor pass obtaining a distinction in Sesotho home language.
Disanyane’s story highlights the harsh realities faced by many child-headed households in South Africa. According to recent studies, thousands of children in areas like Thabo Mofutsanyana grow up without parents, taking on adult responsibilities while trying to stay in school.
Malefetsane Disanyane matric learner from Tsebo SS who passed with a Bachelor despite living alone.
Child headed households are faced with limited resources for education, such as a lack of electricity or study materials.Yet, as Disanyane’s journey shows, support from family, educators, and the community can make all the difference.
Disanyane’s success is a testament to resilience, but it also underscores the need for greater support for child-headed households. Schools, NGOs, and local governments must work together to provide resources such as food parcels, mentorship programs, and safe spaces for children to thrive.
For now, Disanyane’s story serves as an inspiration to others in similar situations. Through hard work, family support, and community involvement, he has proven that challenges can be overcome. His journey reminds us all of the power of perseverance and the importance of standing together to support vulnerable children.
