It’s that special time of year when we celebrate and honour our exceptional and tenacious students. We are delighted to announce the recipients of the prestigious Oxbridge Academy Medal for Succeeding Against the Odds in 2023. These remarkable individuals have deeply moved us with their extraordinary journeys and inspiring stories!

Kholofelo Selala

Kholofelo

Kholofelo believes in the importance of self-advocacy and allowing her school to recognise her growth as a student. Raised in – what she describes as – a toxic community that harboured gender biases and undermined her confidence, she battled anxiety, depression, and persistent self-harm thoughts throughout her youth. Someone entered her life and gave her the courage to open the doors she believed were shut. This person offered trust and financial support for her first qualification, which she excelled at. Shortly after, Kholofelo secured her first permanent job through a one-year work readiness program and continued her educational journey with her employer’s support.

Her unwavering love for her children served as her motivation for survival despite resistance and negativity from her family and colleagues. Overcoming deep depression following a heartbreaking miscarriage, she sought therapy, discovering the importance of self-care and gradual academic re-engagement. Kholofelo’s persistent determination drives her daily as she aims to prove herself wrong and embrace the support she receives. This transformative opportunity has shifted her perspective on life, enabling her to maintain positivity amidst storms. Her struggles have revealed her strength and affirmed her belief in her limitless potential. Kolofelo aspires to inspire other young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to persevere in pursuing their dreams.

Pateline Malgas

Pateline

Pateline, originally from the Great Brak River, completed her matric in 2021. She is studying the Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner course at Oxbridge Academy. Pateline faced difficulties juggling hospital stays with her studies. Dealing with a skin condition also made her weak, but her faith in God carried her through. She firmly believes that God will come through in His own time and be her Saviour. Her mother, who she describes as a lovely woman, couldn’t afford her tertiary education. As a result, Pateline sought employment to save money for her education. She found work as a flagperson and general worker at H&R Construction Company and works full-time from 7 am to 5 pm.

Petaline studied every day after a long day at work and quickly realised how challenging this was. She believes this is why she often feels tired, but her determination to succeed never wavers. Petaline reminds herself every day of why she embarked on this journey. She believes everything happens for a reason, and nothing comes easy. If life was too easy, it would be boring, and the value of hard work would remain elusive. Pateline motivates herself by affirming, “You have the power to do anything you believe you can do.” She recognises that she is responsible for visualising her success. She believes that maintaining a positive mindset is crucial to success.

Maleka Mangoako

Maleka

Maleka is studying the National Certificate: N6 Public Management course and admits that it has been difficult due to her unfamiliarity with distance learning. She did not expect to make it this far. Maleka started her N4 studies while pregnant and says it was challenging because of pregnancy complications. She recalls how she was constantly in and out of the hospital and remembers completing her assignments in her hospital bed. The doctor admonished her and told her to send her books home so she could rest. Maleka says she rushed back to her books after she was discharged. She caught up on all her assignments and qualified for the exams.

She recalls how her marital problems almost caused her to cancel her final exam. This, combined with the stress of caring for a newborn baby, made it impossible to concentrate on her studies. As a result, she enrolled her baby in a daycare centre and studied in the bush where it was quiet. Maleka often cried and contemplated discontinuing her studies. She confided in a friend who motivated her and gave her renewed hope. Maleka completed her exams and passed all her modules. She says she gave herself a “pat on the shoulder”. She says: “I deserve the award because I pushed and pulled through against all odds. I am so proud of myself because success feels special. I am completing my N6 at the moment, and I cannot wait to finish this race.”

Congratulations Kholofelo, Pateline, and Maleka! You have earned the distinction of being the Oxbridge Academy Succeeding Against the Odds Champions! Your remarkable achievements and unwavering determination have set you apart and inspired us all. Well done on your well-deserved recognition