​As the Class of 2022 celebrates their matric results, 21-year-old Lebohang Samase was thrilled to be among peers nationwide that passed grade 12.
Samase was a learner at the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Soshanguve Secure Care Center, in Tshwane.

The class of 2022 was challenged with the hardships of Covid-19 and frequent power cuts, which brought about disruption in teaching and learning. However, and despite these major setbacks, he thrived and earned himself a National Senior Certificate.

Samase studied Business Studies, Life Sciences, History, and Mathematics (literacy), and hope that he would further his education in Public Relations from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He also expressed his concerns regarding his career choice, as the market industry is rapidly becoming saturated with the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions.

At age 16, he committed a crime in 2017 for which the victim filed a case against him, and charges were laid. “Fortunately, it was my first offense, so the court granted me bail, which meant attending court appearances while I was outside,” he said.

Three years later, he was then sentenced to the Soshanguve Secure Care Center to learn more about social programs available to the youth by the Gauteng Government.

He adds that, “At first, I felt like my world was coming to an end, I felt like my life was already over."

“To my surprise, I was introduced to phenomenal people who exposed me to a positive outlook on life, which ultimately inspired me to change my life for the better”, he said.

He cited how the officials from the institution were of great assistance as they re-ignited his passion for studying and urged him to further his studies after matriculation. He sang praises on behalf of his principal, Elizabeth Mantsha Mathebane, who ensured that no learner lagged behind. Furthermore, Social Worker Linky Mashile and Assistant Teacher Thabo Skhosana both played a significant role in ensuring his academic success. They both helped him overcome several shortcomings, such as using the internet for school assignments.

“Being sentenced to secure care center turned out to be a blessing in disguise; I have learned a lot about social programs, about character development, and striving to become an upstanding citizen” said Samase.