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Who would have guessed that the same 12-year-old boy who just dropped out of grade 6, boarding a train with his HIV-positive mother and 5-month-old baby brother to head back to Port Elizabeth to his granny, to try and get her to "fix" his dying mother, would now be a 22-year-old man, about to board a plane to England, to try and make his, and his family's dreams come true? That's Andile Mkonto's real-life story. Photo: ubuntufund.org

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These are the words of Andile Mkonto, 22, of the impoverished Soweto-on-Sea who will be jetting off to the UK next week to study international business administration at London's Hult International Business School.

Mkonto, who co-owns Get Active Construction and Projects, which recently received a tender to build 150 houses in Witbank, was forced to drop out of school at the age of 13.

"I went to Johannesburg to stay with my mother, a domestic worker, but she fell sick. I had to drop out of school so that I could take care of her.

"After raising enough money to take a train [to Port Elizabeth, and] after my mother died, I ... had to repeat Grade 6.

"I bunked school for the whole term - I just got off track," the eldest of three orphans said.

Then, in about 2004-05, along came the Ubuntu Education Trust Fund, which offered him counselling.

"I had some psychological issues. The counselling really helped me, and things have been looking up since then.

"I am under no illusions that I would be where I am had I not met Ubuntu," Mkonto said.

In 2009, Ubuntu sent him to the African Leadership Academy where he matriculated.

"I am one of the fortunate ones that had opportunities opened for them. This is a huge opportunity for me. Not everyone from where I am goes to school.

"Without the support from my community and my granny I would not have made it. I am proud of my achievements and where I am from," Mkonto said.

He will be doing a four-year course -- two years in London and another two in Shanghai, Dubai or any of two campuses in the United States.

"I have never been outside the continent and it is scary, but I like challenges. I am looking forward to going there, meeting new people, making new friends and making money," he laughed.

"My granny is very proud of me, but scared at the same time, because she feels like she will not be there for me as much."

Ubuntu Education Trust Fund co-founder Banks Gwaxula said the programme had produced 14 graduates like Mkonto.

"I am very proud of Andile and the others that graduated through the programme," Gwaxula said.

"We are still keeping our promise that we would focus on education and health."

Mkonto had some advice for others who are in the same situation as he was.

"It is hard, when no one believes in you, to believe in yourself.

"Your family will always be there for you. Believe in yourself and go out there and grab any opportunity that comes your way," Mkonto said.

Comments

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Thu May 23 06:02:49 SAST 2013 ::

Sep 14, 2012

|Sinudeity|

After a rough week, its good to read a story like this. Much respect to the Ubuntu edu trust fund. But most respect to Mkonto. Enjoy your 4 years overseas dude.
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Sep 14, 2012

warry

Halala...all good things will come to you.
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Sep 14, 2012

maneater

oh what a feel good story. i love it and all the best to you Andile you a good man!!!
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Sep 14, 2012

seutullamakunutu

Encouraging !!
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Sep 14, 2012

itsinshecried

Good luck young man. I wish you all the best.


Sowetan, this is what we want to read. This is very newsworthy, it inspires me to complete my B.tech Degree . Keep it up Sowetan.
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Sep 14, 2012

Pointman

Come back - we need real entrepreneurs like you to build this country.
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Sep 14, 2012

Mxaueht

Good luck young man..........I wish I was you.
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Sep 14, 2012

Kaylae

What a lovely way to end the day :-)All the best Mfana
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Sep 14, 2012

MommaC

*huge lump in my throat.*
What a great story. It really is fantastic. All the greatest of the best for you Andile :)
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Sep 14, 2012

Moffdat

I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The onyl thing bad about this article is that |Sinudeity|
was the first to comment! lol
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