Two Bay girls off to Oprah’s school
TWO Nelson Mandela Bay pupils have been chosen from 10 000 applicants to attend the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
The two excited youngsters – Lindokuhle Hlathi, 13, from New Brighton, and Vuyokazi Hlwathika, 15, from Uitenhage – left Port Elizabeth yesterday for the academy in Henley-on-Klip, south of Johannesburg. They were seen off at the Port Elizabeth airport by an emotional group of family and friends.
Lindokuhle will be starting Grade 8 and Vuyokazi will start Grade 10.
Lindokuhle’s unemployed mother, also named Vuyokazi, was grateful for the wonderful opportunity her daughter had been given.
“Early last year, my daughter came home and told me about this school,” she said. “I googled it from my phone and e-mailed them all the necessary information. The school responded in March.” Lindokuhle passed all the entrance tests. “It is not easy to be a single parent but this time around God came through for me.
“I am happy that my child will get the best education with a brighter future,” Vuyokazi, 35, said.
Lindokuhle, who graduated from Alpha Primary School in Gelvandale last year, said it was a great opportunity and she was excited to be joining the academy.
“I will try my best to do what is expected of me. I want to study hard so that I can fulfil my dream of being a radiotherapist,” she said.
Vuyokazi, who previously attended Riebeek College Girls’ High in Uitenhage, was glad she had been selected for the academy.
“It was a very long process. I can’t wait to see Oprah,” she said.
Vuyokazi’s widowed mother, Thembisa, 47, said her daughter had seen an advert for the academy in the school’s magazine two days before the closing date for applications.
“We went to an internet cafe and applied online in February,” Thembisa said.
“In March, she was asked to write a test, followed by three others.
“I could not believe it when I received a call on September 19 telling me that she had been successful.
“I am a widow and have two other children to look after. I had financial problems and was worried it would affect Vuyokazi, but God answered my prayers,” she said.
Oprah Academy headmistress Anne van Zyl said the two girls had been chosen because of their resilience and leadership potential.
“They both showed intelligence, enthusiasm and a passion for making a difference in their lives,” she said.
“As the academy, we hope to provide women leaders in South Africa.”
Oprah’s school obtained a 100% pass rate for 2012.
Of the 68 matriculants, 59 have been accepted at seven universities in South Africa and nine will be studying overseas.