My name is Koketso Madibana I am 31 years old. I was born in Hammanskraal, Gauteng. My family then moved to Yeoville, Johannesburg. Where I attended Yeoville Boys Primary School. I began my high school education at Northview High School in 2009 and wrote Matric there for the first time in 2013 and failed.
Jeppe Education Centre is where I rewrote my Matric 2014 and failed again and 2015 is the year I eventually passed my Matric with a bachelor’s entry. After Matric I started my work life that began in 2016 as a shelf packer at Pick n Pay. I then took the opportunity to study further completing a Learnership in Management with the retail group. I also made the most of an opportunity to develop my computer skills and work readiness offered by Afrika Tikkun.
By 2018 I was promoted to being an office clerk at Pick n Pay Head Office. Thereafter In 2019 I was ready to climb the next level assuming trainee manager responsibilities. 2022 saw me advancing as Assistant Manager at Dischem up until 2024. This was when an opportunity opened up for Manager at Woolworths where I currently work. I wrote a book titled The Matric Survivor about my journey, a heart-warming true story of how I discovered unexpected strength and courage in myself when life shocked me during my teenage years.
I wrote Matric 3 times before I finally succeeded. I write having been inspired by the reason why I did not attempt to commit the unthinkable after failing Matric twice and how Matric can open doors. I believe the reading of my book by Grade 12 learners during their Matric year will contribute to the prevention of any unsavory thoughts by those that find themselves unhappy with their results. Learners will know and understand that there are two possibilities are ahead of them either a pass or a fail. Therefore, I believe this will inspire them to prepare to manage for any eventualities before them.
Madibana was encouraged to write and complete his book by editor Mmachigo Manase who has been his mentor since 2015 and whom he mentioned, believed that it would be a wonderful, uplifting read. Publishing credits are courtesy of Never Give Up Productions and Book Dealers based in Midrand.
Soweto Sunrise News
