An actuary’s advice for his son on first day back at high school

His father, Mbongeni, 43, stood proudly next to his son while he gave him a pep talk before he entered the school grounds.

“I was saying to him grade 11 is the first day of matric because that's where all the hard stuff is taught. Next year is consolidation. Nothing new is taught in grade 12. It's a big year for him.”

Walking tall, with his uniform immaculately ironed and shoes shined, 18-year-old Tshegofatsy Madisang  paced towards the entrance of the school. The matric pupil claimed the Red Bull in his hand was part of his preparation for his all-important final year.

“There's a lot of work ahead. This year I want to be focused so I can work towards studying at university next year. I want to get into hospitality management.”

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