By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – In 2024, Dimakatso Lebelonyana faced one of the most challenging years of her life. The young woman from Makwane, Qwaqwa, juggled the pressures of her matric year, financial struggles, and the weight of her family’s expectations.
Despite these hurdles, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of academic excellence and her dream of shaping a better future.
In an interview with The Guard this is what Lebelonyana said: “Last year was the most stressful year; it actually drained me emotionally. I had to focus more on my books than I used to in lower grades.
“Looking at my background and disadvantaged family pressurized me. I remember during winter when I had to study under candlelight during power cuts while enduring the cold nights. However, that did not deter me because I knew what I wanted.”
Dimakatso’s story resonates with countless South African students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. She attended Mohaladitwe Secondary School, a beacon of hope for many learners in Qwaqwa. Her parents, who together earn less than R7,000 per month, have always supported her academic aspirations, despite the financial strain.
Her parents Pitso and Mapule Lebelonyana have always encouraged her to do what’s best and reminded her that matric is just one year, but the results will determine her future.
“Matric is one year that has the power to determine the rest of your future so it was important for us as parents to encourage our daughter to do her best and she managed to get three distinctions and a bachelor’s pass. We are very proud of her,” Pitso said.
Even with the challenges of studying under difficult conditions, Dimakatso remained resolute. There were times when she felt sleepy during lessons because of the long nights of studying, but she would always go to her educators to ask questions and ensure that she understood the topics.
Her determination paid off when she completed her matric exams earning a Bachelor’s pass and three distinctions. Now, she is focused on the next step: university.
Among the institutions she applied to, only the University of Cape Town (UCT) has responded thus far. She has been accepted into their Bachelor of Social Sciences programme under the Faculty of Humanities.
Dimakatso Lebelonyana.
However, the road to higher education is far from smooth. The determined young woman acknowledges the challenges of university admissions and financial support. Most of the universities she applied to haven’t replied yet and this uncertainty is a common experience for matriculants across the country, who often wait anxiously for responses while grappling with the complexities of securing funding.
For Dimakatso, admission to UCT is a glimmer of hope, but the financial burden looms large. Her family’s income barely covers their daily needs, making higher education seem like an unattainable dream.
Dimakatso’s story sheds light on the systemic challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many, like her, are forced to navigate a higher education system that often overlooks the realities of financial inequality. While government bursaries and loans like NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) offer some relief, the demand often outstrips the supply.
Despite these challenges, Dimakatso remains optimistic. Her older sister is set to graduate in April, a testament to her family’s resilience and commitment to education. There are four of them at home. An older sister, who will graduate this year, a younger sister, who is going to matric this year, and a younger brother, who is four years old. Their parents always remind them that education is the key to a better future.
For those who complete matric, access to higher education remains a formidable challenge, often hindered by financial constraints. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was established to support students from low-income households.
However, recent reports highlight systemic issues within NSFAS, including funding shortfalls and administrative inefficiencies, which have left many eligible students without the necessary financial support to pursue tertiary education.
