Seventeen-year-old KwaZulu-Natal schoolboy Ndamase Ndamase was a matric pupil last week, but from this week he has the added pressure of being a king.
The crown will probably weigh heavily on his head as he adjusts to his royal office while returning to Kearsney College in Botha's Hill within weeks to resume his studies and again be "one of the boys".
Ndamase is now king of the Western Pondoland people in the Eastern Cape after officially attaining manhood status at the weekend during a circumcision ceremony in the grounds of the palace at the Nyandeni Great Place at Libode, near Umtata.
He takes over from his mother, Queen Regent Bongolwethu, who has been acting as head of the royal household since the death of Ndamase's father.
The ceremony was a magnificent affair with a delegation from the Swazi royal household - with which the Ndamase clan has close family ties - in attendance.
There were also representatives from the Eastern Cape government, including the premier, the Rev M Stofile.
Bantu Holomisa, former head of the Transkei and now leader of the United Democratic Movement, was also among the guests.
While thousands of local residents braved the chilly winter weekend to watch the traditional singing and dancing in celebration of the instalment of their new king, the young man sat in a nearby kraal, one of several undergoing the circumcision ritual.
He smiled shyly at a press delegation from behind his traditional dress and ceremonial body paint.
He will be advised by his family and counselled by the elders.
Kearsney College marketing director Colleen Ross, a special guest at the ceremony, said Ndamase was a well-adjusted pupil who handled his "special regal status" with a quiet confidence.
"He's one of the boys and enjoys life as a boarder. He plays rugby and mixes well with his peers."
Ross presented the Ndamase household with a specially enscribed clock for the new king.
When schools reopen on July 23, Ndamase will return to class a king - albeit one whose immediate concern will be passing his matric exams.