JAMES MAHLOKWANE
"I will lift my head, look forward and upgrade my marks so that I can achieve my dream of becoming a software developer," said a Hammanskraal matriculant who needed to upgrade his pass.
Kamogelo Komane, 18, said he passed and qualified for a higher certificate but he was determined to rewrite Business Studies, Accounting and Economics so he could enrol for the diploma he desired.
Komane said he wanted a career in information technology because he was extremely good with computers.
"I never had deep interest in computer hardware as I preferred computer programming and software development. I know how to hack computers and smartphone. I can even create a virus on your smartphone and create viruses that can help me spy on other people's phones. I just need to get the marks that will meet minimum requirements for me to study for the career of my choice,"
Komane said he always knew he had advanced computer skills but did not use them to do anything illegal or immoral.
He said he used to be friends with people who were very good with computers and that's how he learned.
"I learned to fiddle around computers and smartphones from some guys but I took it a step further. Right now I can even program basic software that can understand commands. It would be wise to go and upgrade my marks and study for something I love, instead of just studying for the simplest things I qualified for,"
He said, unlike most learners who did not get the marks they desired, he did not feel like taking a gap year to improve his marks because that would feel like a lifetime.
"I already applied at Rosebank College to study IT. If possible, I will upgrade my marks there or use the rewriting opportunities at schools around March,"
Komane studied at Sikhululekile Secondary School where the pass rate was 93.1%.
His school's Principal Daphne Choene said she encouraged all learners who wanted to upgrade their marks to do so and not to hesitate making use of the teachers at the school.
Choene said: "Learners must know that these marks do not define them. They can become anything they want as long as they apply themselves and believe in themselves. They must follow their dreams,"