Meet Refiloe Mohlabi: The learner who proves success is more than just marks

In a world where academic excellence is often reduced to numbers, 18-year-old Refiloe Mohlabi is redefining what it truly means to succeed.

While Refiloe’s achievement of eight distinctions in her matric year is remarkable, it represents only the tip of an iceberg shaped by perseverance, faith, and the unwavering support of her loved ones.

For Mohlabi, the past year was nothing short of a marathon, a journey defined by discipline, study sessions that stretched through school holidays, and late nights spent battling fatigue and self-doubt.

“There were moments when I felt incredibly proud of myself for staying disciplined and consistent, especially during exam preparation,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Mohlabi accumulated several prestigious honours, including full rhetoric colours, a distinguished White Honours Blazer, and the title of Top Student in Business Studies. She also maintained her position in the school’s Top 10 consistently from Grade 8.

“My biggest highlights included receiving my White Honours Blazer for academics, rhetoric, and leadership, as well as full rhetoric colours,” she said. “Academically, my highlight was being awarded Top Student in Business Studies and remaining in the Top 10 consistently from Grade 8.”

Beyond the classroom, Mohlabi’s excellence in debating and public speaking competitions further set her apart, showcasing her confidence, intellect, and leadership abilities.

As head girl, she embraced her responsibility as a role model, striving to inspire others in the same way her predecessors once inspired her. Behind her success, however, were moments of late-night prayers and an ever-present fear of failure.

Her parents played a pivotal role in grounding her, continuously reminding her that her self-worth extended far beyond academic achievement and encouraging her to hold on to the light at the end of the tunnel.

With aspirations of studying medicine at the University of Cape Town, Mohlabi hopes to specialise as a cardiologist. She is driven by both a deep desire to help others and a genuine thirst for knowledge.

Her advice to the next generation of matriculants is simple yet powerful: “This is a marathon, not a sprint.”

The Star