Teen passes matric at 15

2007-12-28 13:29

Johannesburg - At only 15 and with an exceptional matric pass under his belt, Shaa Bootha has the world at his feet, three years sooner than most of his friends.

Bootha, from Mafikeng in the North West province, wrote his matric examination at a rural school - the Setlopo Science and Commercial School - situated in a village 14 kilometres outside town.

He also did seven subjects, compared to the normal six, and passed with distinctions in mathematics and accounting.

"I have some TV and sport to catch up on now... an overseas trip sponsored by my parents would be an added bonus," Shaa said, delighted at the thought of not having to spend another three years at school.

He began home schooling in 2006, after completing grade 7.

His father Akbar Bootha, a professor at North West University, thought that accelerating his son's learning would be a good idea, as he was a "very bright pupil" in primary school.

"I would not have encouraged him if I had any doubt whatsoever. I am very proud of him," he said.

Bootha completed grades 8 and 9 at home, and grade 10 with Damelin College.

This year, Bootha enrolled at the Setlopo school where he was accepted to write matric, doing the subjects: English, Afrikaans, mathematics, accounting, economics, business economics, and mercantile law.

Principal Peter Mpiwa said Bootha's success encouraged other pupils at his school to strive for best results.

Dedication and commitment

"A boy finishing high school in a period of two years is not an everyday event...I was impressed and thought he was someone who had to be given a chance," said Mpiwa.

"I knew he would not disappoint me, and he has proved it."

Bootha's mother, Shireen, was asked why a school such as Setlopo was chosen for the teenager.

"Setlopo, despite its rural setting, is a very progressive school. Furthermore, I have known some of its senior personnel for sometime now and have been very impressed by their dedication and commitment.

"Setlopo had confidence in our son and we as parents had confidence in it," his mother said.

Bootha said he had followed a normal study pattern and the school's curriculum to achieve at his best potential.

"There were some long nights, but I got the work done."

Being a little too young to start university straight away, Bootha said he would take a break for at least a year.

"I feel much more relieved than I did three weeks ago, so I am taking a well-deserved break, I would love to travel."

He plans to become a chartered accountant, or get into investment banking.

"Everybody likes to make money," Bootha said.

- SAPA