Mpumalanga’s top matric achiever, Salene Vilakazi, has become a powerful symbol of resilience, determination, and hope after excelling in his final school examinations despite growing up in extremely challenging conditions. Living in a squatter camp with no access to basic services such as running water or electricity, Salene’s journey to academic success is nothing short of inspirational.
For most learners, matric is already a demanding year filled with pressure, long study hours, and high expectations. For Salene, these challenges were compounded by daily struggles that many of his peers could not imagine. Each morning began before sunrise. At 4 a.m., while others were still asleep, Salene would wake up and begin his long walk to the river to fetch water for his household.
“Every morning at 4 a.m., I had to walk to the river to fetch water,” he shared. “After school, I had to walk again to the river to get water so that we could eat. That was the hardest part of my matric year.”
The absence of electricity meant studying under difficult conditions. Nights were often dark, quiet, and cold, with no proper lighting to revise schoolwork. Like many learners in informal settlements, Salene relied on limited resources and had to make the most of what little he had. Despite exhaustion from household responsibilities, he remained focused on his education, driven by a strong belief that schooling was his path out of poverty.
Salene’s story highlights the harsh realities faced by many learners in South Africa, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. While education is often described as the key to a better future, access to equal learning conditions remains a significant challenge. Yet, Salene refused to allow his circumstances to define his destiny.
Teachers and community members have praised his discipline, humility, and unwavering commitment to his studies. They describe him as a quiet but determined learner who never made excuses and consistently gave his best, even when life outside the classroom was overwhelming.
His achievement has not only brought pride to Mpumalanga but has also sparked conversations about the urgent need to support learners from underprivileged communities. Salene’s success serves as proof that talent exists everywhere, even in the most difficult environments, and that with the right support, many more young people could reach their full potential.
As celebrations continue, Salene’s story stands as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit. From walking long distances for water to rising as Mpumalanga’s top achiever, his journey reflects courage, perseverance, and hope. His achievement is not just a personal victory but an inspiration to countless learners who face similar struggles daily.
Salene Vilakazi has shown that no matter how tough the circumstances, determination and hard work can turn dreams into reality.