09 Mar 2025

Determination and academic prowess have given  Marco Mabetho a top achievers title in the 2024 Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE), obtaining an impressive 7A*, 1A and 3B’s from Shashe River School in Tonota.

His success stands in stark contrast to the traditional vocational focus prevalent in his Bazezuru community, which has thrived for generations on practical skills and hands-on learning.

Mabetho’s journey is emblematic of the diverse paths to success, highlighting that individual ambition can lead to impressive personal growth beyond established cultural norms.

His achievements inspire fellow Bazezuru to dream bigger, embracing the belief that if they excel at their school, they can compete not just nationally but internationally.

Despite facing challenges, including a second-class grade in his Junior Certificate Education, Mabetho was undeterred.

“Where there is a will, there is a way,” he asserted, vowing to make the most of his potential. His hard work over the past two years transformed his academic record, culminating in his outstanding BGCSE results.

Mabetho attributes his success to a disciplined study routine and unwavering dedication to his education.

“Consistency in studying and a focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorising them were key,” he explained.

He broke his study sessions into manageable chunks, took regular breaks, and utilised a variety of study materials to enhance his learning.

Additionally,  Mabetho emphasised the importance of past examination papers, which familiarised him with question formats and testing environments.

He managed to balance his school work and personal life by minimising school work at home unless absolutely necessary, ensuring he made the most of his time at school up until the evening.

The support from his teachers, school leadership, and family was invaluable, providing motivation and a nurturing environment for Mabetho’s aspirations.

“The extended supervised evening study gave me more time to familiarise myself with the examination environment,” he noted, recognising the integral role his school played in his academic journey.

Ms Joyce Mabetho, Marco’s mother, expressed pride in her son’s achievements, stating that the happiness she was feeling could not be traded for anything.

“I wanted a better life for my children, attainable only through formal education,” she said.

Ms Mabetho encouraged other parents to be involved in their children’s education from an early age, irrespective of their own literacy levels.

Marco’s fellow Shashe River School student William Mothusi also celebrated impressive results, achieving 7A*, 2A, 1B, and 1C. Mothusi characterised success as rooted in self-motivation and a commitment to hard work.

“You should dream big,” he said, emphasising the importance of prioritisation and perseverance on the path to achieving one’s goals.

His father, Mr Mothusi Gwajuba implored parents to instill the culture of reading and academic excellence in their children from early childhood by buying them books, edutainment materials and actively participate in their schoolwork.

He said today, he knows the lessons of good parenting and takes pride in it, a lesson that sends him into an emotional state when he reminisces it, almost losing control of his tears.

Both students highlighted the significant role their school played in their academic success, urging current and future students to choose their career paths early and engage fully in their education.

They encouraged their peers not to be deterred by challenges but rather to maintain their dreams and aspirations. ENDS