11 January 2010

Bright learner has plans to make it easier to extract oil from coal

in News by Namhla Tshisela

- TOP: Constance Femele proudly shows off her matric results. Pic. Bafana Mahlangu. 0701/2010. © Sowetan. 20100107 BMA Tshegofatso Femele from Mandisa Sicheka high school in Kagiso (yellow) is on top of the world after collecting her statement of results. She obtained four distinction in Mathematics, Geography, Life Sciences and Life Orientations. PHOTO: BAFANA MAHLANGU

- TOP: Constance Femele proudly shows off her matric results. BELOW: Constance enjoys her triumph with her teachers Mingy Sekano and Dineo Nkosi. Pic. BAFANA MAHLANGU. 07/01/2010. © Sowetan. 20100107 BMA Tshegofatso Femele from Mandisa Sicheka high school in Kagiso (yellow) is on top of the world after collecting her statement of results. She obtained four distinction in Mathematics, Geography, Life Sciences and Life Orientations. PHOTO: BAFANA MAHLANGU

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"OH, MY baby girl!" was all Ntsoaki Femele could say when she saw her daughter's brilliant matric results.

With tears in her eyes, she hugged and kissed 17-year-old Constance.

Holding the results in her hand she proudly showed off her daughter to her neighbours.

"I am so proud of you . I looked up to you and I knew you wouldn't disappoint me," she said.

With four distinctions, including a 91percent pass in mathematics, Constance Femele of Tshepisong on the West Rand is the first person in her family to pass Grade 12.

Constance said she was now determined to reach yet another milestone - being admitted to university to study chemical engineering.

"I want to create a chemical that will make it easier to extract oil from coal," said the shy maths boffin.

The top pupil for three consecutive years at Kagiso's Mandisa Shiceka Secondary School, she said she was surprised by her performance.

"I didn't even look for my name in the newspapers. I was shocked to find everyone waiting for me when I got to school."

Constance said she owed her success to hard work.

"It took me an hour every day to walk to school. I would even do it on Sundays when I needed to study with my group or do revision," she said.

"But mathematics was easy. I didn't even have to practise it before my tests or examinations."