Defying the odds - The inspiring journeys of Aluta-Continua Mtsi and Amber Klein

Aluta-Continua Mtsi and Amber Klein are two remarkable matriculants whose stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Their journeys through their matric year were anything but easy, yet both emerged victorious, defying the odds in ways that inspired everyone who heard their stories.

Aluta-Continua’s name, meaning "the struggle continues," was a fitting reflection of the hardships she faced and the unwavering determination she carried with her.

At 19, she had grown up in the tough streets of Gugulethu, where the struggle to make ends meet was a daily reality.

“It was a struggle to have two unemployed parents and live in a dangerous area like Gugulethu,” she reflected.

“The distractions were many, and it stressed me out as a child.”

With a single mother who had been forced to stop working as an Uber driver after being hijacked, and a father unable to provide financially, Mtsi’s life had been shaped by hardship.

She explained there were days when food was scarce, and the weight of financial strain threatened to overwhelm her.

But Mtsi, with her unyielding drive and fierce determination, made the choice to rise above it all.

Mtsi began her education in a home schooling environment, then transitioned to Y2K College, where she had to leave due to financial struggles, eventually securing a spot at Christel House Academy, all thanks to her academic performance.

“It felt like a lifeline, relieving my family of the burden of school fees and allowing me to focus fully on my studies.

“I knew I had to work twice as hard as those who could afford tutors, computers, and other resources.

“Education is so important to me,” she reflected. “I knew that this was the key to changing my future.”

When Mtsi was named the top matriculant at her school, she was overcome with emotion.

“I was in shock. I was crying, jumping around,” she remembered.

“I couldn’t believe it, it was a moment of triumph that I worked tirelessly for.”

With offers from top universities like UCT and Stellenbosch, her future now looked incredibly bright.

“I was determined to succeed, to make sure my family didn’t have to struggle again,” she said, eyes set firmly on her dream of becoming a lawyer.

The story of Klein, who completed her matric year at Muizenberg High School, had been just as extraordinary, though her challenges had come from a different source.

Living in Mitchells Plain, Klein had spent much of her matric year in and out of hospitals, battling stomach issues that left doctors perplexed.

“I was in and out of hospital because of stomach issues,” she recalled.

“The doctors couldn’t find what was wrong with me, and sometimes I was admitted for gastroenteritis.”

Yet even as she endured tests and treatments, Klein’s resolve remained unshaken.

“I knew I had a goal, and that goal was to pass matric with a bachelor’s endorsement,” she said.

The second term of her matric year had been particularly difficult.

Klein had missed so much school due to her health that when she returned, she felt lost.

“I had been in the hospital for most of the term and came back knowing nothing,” she admitted.

“I was so scared I wouldn’t make it, but I kept pushing myself to do my best.”

Klein’s strategy had been simple but effective: rewrite her notes, study with friends, and rely on her support system.

“We would ask each other questions, and those answers would stick in my brain,” she said.

Her friends, teachers, and family had been vital parts of her journey, constantly encouraging her to keep going, even when she felt like giving up.

Klein had moments of doubt and fear, particularly after failing her second term. But she faced those fears with courage, finding strength in her faith.

“I just trusted in God and believed in myself,” she said. “It was all about having the right mindset and not giving up.”

Klein’s determination had paid off, and by the end of the year, she had achieved the results she needed to pursue her dream of becoming a psychologist.

“Success wasn’t about talent or luck,” she reflected. “It was about believing in yourself, even when things weren’t going your way.”