Resilience in education: How Kamogelo Xaba overcame challenges to pursue computer science

At just 18 years old, Kamogelo Xaba, a final-year student at Lufhereng Secondary School, has emerged from a challenging academic journey as a beacon of resilience and hope. With aspirations firmly set on a future in computer science and digital innovation, Xaba has successfully navigated personal struggles, underlining the importance of support, teamwork, and self-belief.

For the 18-year-old, the last year of high school was a profound test of strength amid major personal struggles, even though it can often feel like a gauntlet.” I felt hopeless and tired but what kept me going were my teachers huge input and their guidance in which my marks were fluctuating because of stress.” Kamogelo recalled. 

"I felt hopeless and tired, but what kept me going were my teachers' input and their guidance, as my marks were fluctuating because of stress."

Xaba described times when the obligations of education were overwhelming as he considers the obstacles he overcome . 

He acknowledges, "There were moments when I seriously considered deregistering and coming back next year." However, he was able to pass his matric and get ready for the next stage of his life thanks to his unwavering tenacity and newly developed capacity to concentrate.

Looking ahead, the bright mind has applied to both the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and North-West University (NWU), institutions that were not initially at the top of his list but are brimming with promise. “I am excited about the opportunities these universities present,” he shares. “My long-term dream is to bring innovation into the digital world, creating new technologies that can transform our lives.”

"Time management is essential if you don't want to get left behind," he said, highlighting the necessity of students taking an active role in their own education.

Additionally, Xaba encourages students to cooperate with one another in order to achieve success as a group. He emphasized that success is frequently a team effort by saying, "Those who work alone may move faster initially, but when they tire, they have no one to carry them."

The Star