From distinctions to new beginnings: Lindelwa Mzimela's inspiring choice to repeat matric

When the 2025 matric results were released this week, it was a moment of celebration for Lindelwa Mzimela, whose name appeared among those who had passed with not one, but two distinctions.

For many pupils in South Africa, such achievements are the culmination of years of hard work and signify the end of a challenging educational journey.

However, for the 18 year old learner from Umlazi, this milestone marks merely the beginning of another chapter, as she bravely opts to repeat her matric year in 2026.

Mzimela’s decision was not born out of failure but rather from a profound belief that she possesses greater potential. “I’m not proud of my results.

I know I have more potential, and I want to improve my marks to increase my chances of getting into a good tertiary institution,” she shared candidly.

She has faced an uphill battle throughout her schooling, attending Durban Commercial College while living at the Enduduzweni Centre for the Blind hostel.

Her matriculation year has indeed been emotionally, mentally, and financially exhausting especially as she was raised primarily by her grandmother and later reunited with her mother, who is blind.

The challenges escalated when she was barred from writing her September trials due to outstanding school fees, a setback that further motivated her to strive for excellence.

With dreams of studying Mechanical Engineering, Mzimela currently falls short of the entry requirements for South African universities due to her overall scores.

However, her determination is unwavering, and she is committed to ensuring that her next attempt reflects her true capabilities.

Mzimela is one of several pupils supported by the Icebolethu Foundation’s Rhoda Girls Programme, which offers mentorship, psychosocial support, and educational assistance to young women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The development of resilience and ambition within such programmes is vital, exemplified by another pupil, Zamokuhle Simelane, who attended Menzi High School.

Raised without her parents from an early age, Simelane proudly achieved three distinctions, including in Accounting.

“I’m super proud of my results, and I’ve learned so much from my teachers, my peers, and myself,” Simelane reflected.

Her aspirations to study Medicine or Computer Science at one of South Africa’s top universities are driven by her belief that discipline and commitment are crucial to academic success.

Nomfundo Mcoyi, CEO of Icebolethu Group, commended the learners for demonstrating exceptional courage and resilience.

“These girls have shown us that success is not linear.

While some celebrate distinctions, others choose to start again, yet all of them embody an unwavering commitment to their futures,” said Mcoyi.

She reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to continuing support for these young women, stating, “We will remain invested in helping these young women realise their full potential, whether in repeating matric or pursuing tertiary education.”