The last nine years were especially traumatic. Firstly, her father died, and then, in her matric year, her mother passed away (after suffering from arthritis for four years as well as TB) leaving three orphaned children without an income.

This is the story of Malefa Mokoena who is still living with her twin brother and her sister in their parents’ house on the Utopia farm about 10 km’s outside Bethlehem. 

In 2016 they were all learners at Ntsu, taking the government bus to school as early as 06:00 in the morning.

There was never much food in the house and since their father died after a short illness in 2009, all they have known is poverty. There has been no caring mother to nurture her child through a difficult matric exam. 

Three children left, each with their own dreams of the future. Malefa studied Economic, Business Studies, Accounting, English, Sesotho, Mathematical Literacy and Life Orientation. 

Her favourite subjects were the Business Studies, Mathematical Literacy and Sesotho. She wants to become a business woman, especially one involved in helping underprivileged children – something she has deep knowledge of, having experienced it herself.

^{The house on Utopia farm outside Bethlehem where the three orphans lived since} 

^{their parents passed away. Photo: Susan Maré}

She is full of praise for her teachers and said Ntsu was a good choice for her senior school career – her primary education began at the small Utopia farm school. What makes Ntsu extraordinary is the discipline, love and kindness of the teachers and the quality education they provide. 

The school achieved a pass rate of 98,04% in the 2016 matric exams which make the teachers and learners very proud and happy. But how did Malefa manage to earn money to survive the past years?

“God gave me many skills. I have a side-line hobby as a hairdresser and offer facials and make-up sessions to my friends. A beautician in the making but really only as a hobby. Yes, that is a way to earn some extra money. I also love to draw and paint, but I am not advanced enough to make a business out of selling my artwork. In fact, taking art classes is one of my dreams. . .”

The next step for her, with the precious matric certificate in her hand, is to apply at the Maluti VOO College in Bethlehem for a bursary to do a course in Business Studies. She is hoping and praying that her application will be successful.

Her message to all learners is that they must do all they can to achieve matric.

“Education is the only way to escape poverty. Having matric is a big deal in one’s life. This is the key to a better life... My sister is 18 and in gr. 10 and my twin brother is in gr. 11. I will do all I can to support them to achieve their matric certificates. The three of us have come so far together and we will strive further for a better future.

“Getting my Matric is not the end of my life, it is just the beginning! I thank God for helping me thus far. He will never neglect children without parents if they pray to Him for help.”

Susan Maré/OFM News