A Hout Bay matriculant who scored high marks in her finals last year despite difficult personal circumstances has been honoured at a provincial education department awards ceremony.
Primrose Muzvuru received an award for excelling under difficult circumstances, at the Western Cape Education Department’s Metro Central Education District’s awards ceremony, on Tuesday February 28.
Primrose was an active participant in many school programmes and clubs, and she achieved four A’s, one B and two C’s for her final matric results.
But as the mother of an 18-month-old son, Kyle, her matric year was far from easy.
“It was difficult to balance school and being a mother. l was always busy and l rarely had time to study.
“My father lives in Zim. I was raised by my mother, who lives in Delft and works as a domestic worker for eight days a month. I have two siblings, an 11-year-old brother and a 3-year-old sister.”
“I stayed in Imizamo Yethu with my aunt, her 18-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son. It was difficult for me to find a quiet place to study because we lived in one room, and whenever l tried to study, Kyle would cry for my books, tearing them apart sometimes.
“So l had to study late at night when he was asleep. It was difficult times, but l’m grateful that my school principal had the heart to offer all matriculants a safe and quiet place to study at school, if they wanted to.”
She says she was driven to work hard so that she can have a better future where she can provide for her son and family.
According to Hout Bay High’s caretaker principal, Juan Julius, Primrose is hard-working, diligent and respectful.
“The staff, school governing body and learners are very proud of this young lady that did so well in her academic year. She is also the first learner to obtain four A’s in the history of the school. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Primrose is doing a six-month internship at a financial services firm, and she plans to study further to get a finance degree once she has the money to do so.
Primrose’s mother, Hassle Magaya, says she is thrilled with her daughter’s results but sad that Primrose did not have the money to celebrate her success.
“As mother, l knew she was always doing her best at school, but l never thought that she would be the top learner in her final exams. l am so proud of her.“
