LETLHOGONOLO Mafela, a physically challenged 19-year-old from Matshepe Village in Mahikeng, North West, surprised many people when he passed his matric with flying colours - against all odds.

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipality and Matlosana local municipality donated R25000 each for him to further his studies.

North West MEC for education Raymond Elisha presented him with a meritorious award and a portable personal computer for his extraordinary achievement.

Mafela - who wrote exams holding a pen between his toes and managed to pass all the subjects - was born without arms and uses his feet and mouth to eat and to write.

He achieved Grade 12 with admission to a higher institution. He got 74% in maths, 43% in physical sciences, 64% in Setswana, 71% in English, 74% in life orientation and 66% in life sciences.

This Mutuba High School pupil is going to study biological sciences at the North West University this year.

"As a person you are beautiful no matter how you are and you will conquer challenges if you are determined. Hard work and dedication pays off," said a happy Letlhogonolo.

"My dream has just began, this is a new chapter for me."

He said he declined extra time during his examination when his teachers were offering him out of pity.

"I declined and told then that I wanted to get this matric on merit, just like any other learner," he said.

His mother Grace Mafela said she thanked God for giving her strength to raise Letlhogonolo as a single parent.

"He is not a shy child, he is a fast learner and is not afraid to learn new things."

She said Letlhogonolo helped himself with most of his studies at his home and at school.

"It was tough, but I thank God for helping us to be where we are today, I am grateful despite all the challenges," she said.