JOHANNESBURG - If anyone had told 18-year-old Kwazi Sitsheke that his hard work would land him on a plane for the first time, he'd have never believed it.
The pupil at Tutor Ndamase Senior Secondary School in Libode in the Eastern Cape won a ticket to board a flight for the first time to attend the top achievers' event in Gauteng.
Sitsheke bagged seven distinctions in the final matric exams and is among the Top 3 for best performing students in quintile two.
Sitsheke explained the plane experience to eNCA, saying that he was overcome by many emotions.
"This was my first time. It was nerve-racking. I was nervous especially when the plane descended.
"There were moments when we did not know what to do but the flight attendants were very kind and polite and guided us through this," he said.
He says he's grateful for the experience, noting how hard work can change your life for the better.
Sitsheke says he's pleased that he contributed to the province's overall performance.
"It's nice to know that our incessant pushing and grinding has finally paid off. I'm especially happy for the Eastern Cape being able to increase their pass rate too with over 50 percent of bachelor passes," he added.
- by Zandile Khumalo