Publications
- Omatla Sebetlele says the Covid-19 pandemic has forced him to be more committed to his schoolwork.
- He hopes to study law at North-West University.
- He achieved five distinctions.
When the country went into lockdown in March 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Omatla Sebetlele realised he had two choices. To see the break as a free holiday or to show greater commitment to his schoolwork.
Sebetlele, 18, from Dithakong Village outside Mahikeng in North West, chose to keep up his work.
He said his school - Tiego Tawana Secondary School - didn't have access to technology, so he could not attend online classes. Instead, their teachers sent them assignments via WhatsApp. Pupils with no access to cellphones received all their work before the school closed, he said.
"Commitment is an individual thing. If you are committed to your studies, there is no problem. During the hard lockdown, the teachers gave us work to do at home so we could not be left behind. It was up to the individual to do it."
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Now that commitment has paid off with five distinctions in Setswana, English, maths literacy, life orientation and history. Sebetlele said he was aiming for three distinctions.
He said being well-organised was also crucial for his success. "I had to have a proper timetable to make sure I lived a balanced life. A timetable helps me to use my time effectively. Schoolwork always comes first, but I still made time for hobbies like singing and playing cricket."
Sebetlele said he hoped to get a bursary to study law at North-West University.
"I have always wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember. It has always been my passion."
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