Durban - Zaheer Bux, a bubbly 18-year-old from Port Shepstone, is still in shock after receiving his 2010 matric examination results.
The Port Shepstone Secondary High School learner expected just six distinctions but received a whopping eight.
"I am so very excited but still in shock, I was not expecting this - to get all As," said Zaheer.
He is also one of many learners who gathered at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre to be honoured by the KZN Education Department for excellent results.
He hopes to pursue a BCom Degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) this year.
The confident teenager attributed his success to hard work and dedication. "We did have some challenges with the strike. But other plans were made. I just kept my focus."
Careful not to sound too much like a parent, Zaheer's advice for those who will start the final year of their schooling life this year, is that they must have a balanced life. "There has to be time for studying, fun and social activities," he said.
He said it all begins in the classroom - learners must be present and give their full attention to what they are being taught.
His mother, Hassena Bux, made huge sacrifices for her son by religiously getting up at 4am daily to assist with his study programme. She also arranged for extra classes to compensate for the time lost during the devastating public service strike last year.
"I am so very proud of him but it is all his hard work and effort. He has always been a very dedicated student and it paid off," said Hassena.
Christian Dlamini from Underberg - another learner whose efforts were celebrated - is ready to start the next chapter of his academic life.
With his promising results, he has been accepted at UKZN to study pharmacy.
"This year was challenging, especially during the strike and extended holidays during the World Cup but we received enough support. I am very pleased with my achievements," said the learner from Nhlanhla Secondary School.
MEC for Education, Senzo Mchunu, addressed high achieving learners in the province during the celebrations. The past rate in the province increased to 70.7 percent from 61.1 percent in 2009.
He acknowledged their hard work and perseverance and extended his congratulations to all other learners in KZN.
Mchunu also paid tribute to President Jacob Zuma and KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize for making education a priority in the country.
