From 50% to 7 distinctions: teacher's heartwarming celebration of pupil’s success in matric exams
"My child"
Jardel Sai Govender with Gugu Zikhundla.
Image: Supplied
WHEN Gugu Zikhundla achieved 7 distinctions in her matric exams, her former mathematics teacher Jardel Sai Govender could not contain his pride.
His emotional tribute to the pupil who once struggled with maths, went viral on social media.
The teacher and content creator, could not contain his excitement when Gugu - whom he referred to as "my child" - matriculated from PR Pather Secondary School with 7 distinctions.
Govender, who has appeared in skits alongside Shanice Janine Subbiah, told the POST that while he no longer taught at the school, he often stayed in touch with his former pupils who had become family.
He said Gugu, in particular, had been a "diligent child" and she made her school proud.
"In Grade 11 she attained 99% in maths. Gugu is meticulous and everyone anticipated that she would put PR Pather Secondary back on the map."
In the post on social media, following the release of the National Senior Certificate examination results on Tuesday, Govender wrote: "From the very first moment you walked into my form class in Grade 8, I knew - deep in my spirit - that you were destined for greatness. There was always something special about you, something bright and unshakeable, and watching you grow into the young woman you are today has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
"Gugu Zikhundla, I have never been prouder to call a pupil my child. You trusted me with your journey all the way to matric, and that trust is something I will carry in my heart forever. Through every challenge, every triumph, every quiet moment of perseverance, you never stopped believing - and neither did I.
"You mean more to me than words can ever truly express. In you, I see dreams fulfilled, prayers answered, and hopes brought to life. You are living the dreams I once carried, and watching you soar has healed, inspired, and uplifted me in ways you may never fully know.
"Sitting in every break and registration from Grade 10 working through mathematics, persevering and never letting go, even when it felt like you were going to, I have and never will ever not be by your side. No matter where life takes you, no matter how far apart we may be, you will always be my brightest star in the night sky. I will always cherish you, always be proud of you, always love you as my own.
"You deserve nothing but the very best this life has to offer — and more. May every door open for you. May every dream find its way to you. And may you always remember that you carry my love, my faith, and my pride with you wherever you go. Cape Town has never seen a light like yours before, and the world is only just beginning to witness what I always knew was inside you. Congratulations, my child."
Gugu, who will study computer science at UCT, said Govender was her biggest supporter.
"He believed in me when I didn't," she said.
"Maths was the most challenging subject for me. In Grade 8, I used to get marks in the 50s (percent), then by Grade 11 it was in the 90s. In matric, it was in the 80s, which I am still happy about as I got an A."
She said she now looked forward to studying at UCT and meeting people from around the world.
The principal of PR Pather https://thepost.co.za/Secondary, Linda Xaba, said they attained an 86.3% pass rate.
"We have performed well. Recognition must go to the teachers, the pupils and the parents who have cooperated. We are now looking forward to the year ahead and trying to better the 86.3% pass rate."