Tshegofatso Mmatsiane Komane

Tshegofatso would like to see equal distribution of services among people, whether in rural or urban areas, particularly access to healthcare services.

Tshegofatso is studying medicine at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She matriculated at Marobathota High School in Boyne, Moria, Limpopo province.

“Never doubt your dreams and know that every dream is valid.”

Explain why you chose the course/s you are studying?

I chose medicine because I love helping people feel better. It has been my passion from a young age, and I never saw myself being anything other than a doctor.

Who or what inspired you to pursue these studies?

My grandmother and my village pushed me to work hard so that I could get into medical school. My grandmother was always sick, and she had to travel long distances to see a doctor because there is no clinic or hospital in our village. I initially thought that my dream of becoming a doctor was just that, a dream. I thought that people from rural areas couldn’t afford to get into institutions of higher learning because most of the youth in our village would just finish their matric and look for work. Seeing people who are also from rural areas like me get into medical school gave me hope that I can also do it and that encouraged me to work hard.

What would you like to see changed in the world, and how do you see yourself contributing to such a change?

I would like to see equal distribution of services among people, whether in rural or urban areas, particularly access to healthcare services. For that I would like to build my own hospital in my village one day so that people no longer travel long distances to access healthcare.

Where did you complete your schooling? Tell us a bit about this school and your teachers.

I matriculated at Marobathota High School in Boyne, Moria, Limpopo province. It is a very good school that constantly supports its learners and provide everything they need so that they can strive in their studies.They provided us with free stationary, matric jackets and extra lessons to enhance our knowledge.

What did you enjoy about physical science and maths at school?

I enjoyed everything about maths and physical science because they challenge one to think and keep them on their toes. Every time there is a new question that requires you to apply everything you have learnt. I loved how you can even get into the exam without studying and still do well because it only requires you to understand the concept and apply it. Lastly, I loved them because you don’t have to cram anything.

Why do you think some people have problems doing well in maths and science? What advice do you have for school learners who struggle with these subjects?

I think the main thing that makes learners struggle in maths and science is because they forgot, or they never understood maths in the lower grades. Maths never changes throughout the grades; it just builds up and just like a house it needs a good foundation. The foundation we get in the lower grades is what makes maths in higher grades. However, maths is the foundation of physical science. So, the main advice is to master maths in lower grades then everything would be simple.

Any tips for learners in grades 11 and 12?

You are now near the end of your high school journey and I believe all of you want to make their family and most importantly, themselves proud. Everyone has been telling you that your background doesn’t define you and that is true, and now is the time to work towards the future that defines you. It is time to prioritise your academics, make your life to revolve around your academics for this little time remaining so that you can achieve your dreams.

What advice do you have for matriculants who have to apply for places in higher education institutions?

Apply to as many tertiary institutions as possible and also consider applying to colleges not just universities. Know that getting a provisional acceptance doesn’t mean you are accepted into the institution, it just simply means that you meet the minimum requirements and you need to work even harder to be accepted. Not getting provisional acceptance doesn’t mean you are rejected it is just a motivation to work hard and improve your marks so that you can get accepted.

Understanding excellence – what makes an achiever?

I believe an achiever is a person who is always willing to learn, humble and most importantly, a hard worker. You will never achieve enough without hard work no matter how talented you are. Even the most talented football players practise before a match.

A message to South African youth in general?

Never doubt your dreams and know that every dream is valid. Be a dreamer such that your dreams are so big that they scare you. If your dreams do not scare you, it means you are not dreaming big enough.

A message to the teachers at your school/s?

I would like to thank my teachers for investing in our education, sacrificing their times with their families to teach us during weekends and holidays. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and I hope you do the same with other learners.

If you had ONE opportunity to speak directly to a very influential person, who would you choose and what would you say to them?

Dr Barnabas Edward Lekganyane, a prominent leader of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in South Africa (SA). I would thank him for building us a school that paved a way into our future, and for the constant support we received, the winter and spring camps where we were taught by the best teachers, providing us with nutritious food, study guides and stationaries.

National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)