Limpopo whizz kid among top Stellenbosch students
May 18, 2012 
28 Comments
Most people tend to think that students on the Extended Degree Programme are part of a lower performing group. Enos Lekala wants to prove that students on this programme can excel.
The Social Dynamics student in his second year was so determined to succeed at his studies, that he is amongst the top 15% of students at Stellenbosch University. Because of this achievement, he has been invited to become a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. This Society is affiliated with close to 400 universities across the globe and it offers extensive networking opportunities.
Enos Lekala. (Photograph: STEPHANIE NIEUWOUDT)
Lekala grew up in the rural areas of Limpopo Province as the eldest of five children. His father died when he was young and his mother is unemployed.
“I was quite ill during my matric year and I believed that my results were not a true reflection of what Enos could really achieve,” he says, quirkily referring to himself in the third person.
“In my first year I worked very hard to prove that I could do really well.”
His hard work paid off, and he completed his first year with an average of 76%.
He chose to study Social Dynamics because it is the “meeting point of politics, economics and development sciences”.
“I am especially interested in public development management and therefore I particularly enjoy the PDM module.”
He says he chose to study at Stellenbosch University, because “it is well known that if you want to gain recognition as a social scientist, this is the best place to obtain your training.”
Lekala says his mother was a hugely positive influence in his life because she continually encouraged him to study.
“She is very clever and I have heard that she did extremely well when she was at school. But, in those days it was difficult for people in the rural areas to further their studies or even to finish matric.
“I was also encouraged by other people including Mr Mahlobogoane, of De Wagendrift Combined School in Groblersdal that I attended before moving to Mpilo Senior Secondary School in Gakgoshi where I was helped by Mr Matabane, the principal, and the admin personnel Mr Thotse and Mr Modipa.
“Unfortunately I do not know the first names of these people. But they helped me meet many of my needs including providing financial assistance when I needed to stay in a residence closer to the school. It became too difficult to travel 10km to school from my home every day.”
Lekala is the first member of his family to matriculate and enter university.
“I hope that I have planted an education seed amongst my family members.” – STEPHANIE NIEUWOUDT
excellent my brother,u unleashed your full potential right in a perfect time, u did not allow circumstances to determine your future, you are a for to be reckoned with, o mogale bra! i’m proud of u
It never rains my son, it pours. I so proud of u Enos that u do remember your past experiences.Ur mother played a primary role of giving u the best support when the least was expected. I remember the times when coming to school in the early hours of the morning was a trouble to u hence the distance. We came up with a measure of requesting accomodation at Thulare Pri School . The next challenge was foods and electricity and we won. Enos , u must know that people of your kind are a rare breed. Most people would have left the school during that difficult period. Eno , keep it up my son and remember that only poverty comes without pain. Good luck on your studies.
Yabangena mfana,congratulations buddy!
Enos,so proud of you. Keep up the good work. I didnt know this about you but Im glad i do now. You showed me, that studying is all about choices and perseverance. Well done my friend!!
Wow i’m so impressed, keep up the good work brother. I’m proud of you.
well done bra, you proved that *hard work brakes no bone*
ha ku khensinsa makwerhu. ngi Jehovah anga ku engetelela vutivi, vuthlari ni ku twisisa.
ha ku khensisa makwerhu. ngi Jehovah anga ku andzisela vutlhari hambi kuri ku twisisa.
Dear Mr. Enos Lekala As one of your teachers I am impressed by your work ethic and especially by your interest in good governance which shows in your good general knowledge. Keep on enjoying the Public and Development modules with us. Erwin Schwella
gud luck Mr Lekala may Almighty God shower yr mind with great knowledge nd respect so dat u make a gud leader 1 dae out of dat. congrets Enos
Good work cadre!! I am proud of you. You put our province on a map and keep up the winning spirit, all the best with your exams!
Congratulation my brother, keep it up. we are proud of you, shine Limpopo shine
May a living God increase you more and more
Congratulation my brother keep it up, we are proud of you…Shine Limpopo shine
Congratulation my brother, KEEP IT UP
CONGRATULATION MY BROTHER, KEEP IT UP:-)
Well Done! An inspiration to all
May you be blessed as you study further.
u r really a star Enos and keep limpopo shine n make us proud. CheerS!!!!!
keep up the good work enos!
Great stuff, keep it up!
Pusha ntwana gae ba tshebile wena
you are an inspiration to all of us. your story is similar to that of most South Africans but you made a choice not to let your circumstances determine your destination.
Ke go lakaletsa mahlatse le mahlogonolo.
Modimo a go hlonolofatse.
Keep it up!!!
Ya keeper, really inspirational… Eno well done bud!
I am inspired. May God keep you from social viles and may you keep shining to uplift those who are from similar backgrounds.
kea go lebogisha monna lekala o tloga o le yona yona mpilo legend, monna swara o tiishe. CONGRATULATIONS!
(I congratulate you Lekala man, you are a Mpilo legend. Keep it up man. CONGRATULATIONS!)
malebo ke yao monna lekala monna kea go lebogisha ebile ga ke tsebe ke reng monna o shomile. monna o role modle yaka. yah our skul e ntsha di legends ka nnete
(Compliments Lekala man, I congratulate you and I don’t even know what to say. Man, you have done a good job. Man, you are my role model. Yes, our school really produces legends.)
Congratulation man keep it up. Inspirational article.
Awesome article. Keep it up Enos