A learner of the Kimberley Girls’ High School was pleasantly surprised to be named third-best achiever in the Northern Cape in the 2021 national senior certificate examination.
At the Department of Education’s prize-giving ceremony on Friday (21/01), Khadija Hoosain also received an accolade as the province’s top achiever in Geography.
“I did not expect the achievements, although I did work very hard,” she says.
“The results made me feel relieved. I am extremely grateful to everyone who supported me. They are my family, as well as my teachers and tutor.”
Besides Geography, Khadija also received distinctions in Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Life Orientation, English (home language) and Afrikaans (first additional language).
“I want to help people with their eyesight. Because I wear glasses, I realise how good eyesight helped me to achieve success. Early in my school career I struggled until an optometrist helped me to improve my eyesight. I want to make a difference, especially for children with impaired vision.”
Her mom, Khatoon, and older brother, Nabeel, will be moving to Johannesburg with her, while her grandmother Khairunisa Hoosain will move to Cape Town. Her brother will also be embarking on a new challenge, as he is switching from Engineering to Dentistry.
“I am sad to leave Kimberley. We have been very happy here. My mom is the strongest person I know. After my father’s death ten years ago, she supported and cared for me, my brother and my grandmother.”
Her advice to learners is to be consistent in their studies and to work hard.
“But you must balance your life. You must make time to relax and spend time with family and friends.”
