Mukundi Mudzingwa achieves eight distinctions in matric despite academic challenges

Seventeen-year-old Mukundi Mudzingwa has concluded his matric year with an outstanding eight distinctions, marking the end of an intense and demanding academic journey.

Describing the year as nothing short of hectic, Mukundi said the early excitement of matric quickly gave way to pressure and fatigue. 

“By May, my academic confidence had reached an all-time low and everything felt overwhelming,” he explained. “At one point, I even wrote four papers within 24 hours. It was exhausting, but I persevered.” While the final exams brought significant stress, they also offered a sense of relief. “When I finished my final paper, I reached a personal high, with a small sense of regret wondering if I could have done more,” he added.

Among the year’s highlights, Mukundi cited the impact of his teachers at Southdowns College. 

“The barrier between teachers and learners felt broken, they became mentors and role models who genuinely wanted to see me grow.” 

Academically, he achieved 90% in the Accounting Olympiad, placed second in his grade, and received three Lantern awards as a subject top achiever in Information Technology and Computer Applications Technology.

He was also awarded the prestigious Enlightened Minds Award for excellence across Service, Leadership and Culture.

One of the biggest risks he took was enrolling in Advanced Programme Physics. 

“Covering nearly two years of content in six months was intense. Even without a distinction, the growth I gained far outweighed the outcome,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mukundi hopes to study computer engineering. Reflecting on his journey, he said it taught him resilience and determination. “I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals.”

His advice to the class of 2026 is clear: “Believe in yourself. Matric is hard, but it is possible. Your greatest limitation is often yourself, do not give up.”

The Star

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