Lebogang Seseane, a 2019 Siyandisa Foundation Scholarship recipient and matriculant from Akademia Secondary School in Brandfort in the Free State, was one of four scholars representing South Africa at the International Chemistry Olympiad taking place in Paris earlier this year.
Seseane, who is among the country’s top achieving grade 12 science and mathematics scholars, remarked that he felt honoured to be a young South African ambassador on such a global stage and strongly believes that South Africans have what it takes to compete with their peers from across the world. Stating that this was his first time to venture beyond the country’s borders, he commented how the experience had opened his mind to the possibilities that exist.
“Although we did not win any prizes in this leg, we gave our best and learnt so much. We may come from different backgrounds in the world, but we had an opportunity to share our knowledge and skills with each other too,” he said.
The Siyandisa Foundation Scholarship Programme prides itself on the excellent academic performances of all its scholarship recipients, who overcome huge personal challenges to achieve outstanding academic results. Seseane is an example for current and future recipients, demonstrating that through hard work, dedication and excellence, great things can indeed be achieved.