Cape Town - Living in gang-ridden Manenberg, where criminals shoot each other day and night, can be tough.
But even more so when you’re a matriculant who has to duck and dive gang bullets on your way to and from school.
But Dilshaad Adonis, 18, from Helen Court, made it to the top against all odds.
This clever girl, who attends The Leadership College in Manenberg, had her family in tears when she came home with SEVEN distinctions and an 86 percent aggregate pass.
Dilshaad says although gang violence has taken its toll, she made the decision not to let it stand in the way of her making a success of her life.
And getting her matric certificate is the first step on her way to a new life away from gangsters and drug addicts.
“I’ve been studying hard since the beginning of the year and at times my mother even told me to slow down. I couldn’t, I knew what I wanted and why,” she says.
“With everything happening in the community, the shootings, fights and loud music, I just blocked myself out and focused on what I’m busy with because I knew I had to work hard.
Dilshaad achieved 7 distinctions. Picture Bertram Malgas/Daily Voice
“I also had my eye set on seven distinctions, but never told anyone. When I saw those seven distinctions I knew I didn’t work hard for nothing.”
Dilshaad says she looks forward to tertiary studies and bursaries have been “flooding in”.
“I feel extremely overwhelmed by all this. I’m happy I could make my family proud. I always said since I was young, I’m going to become an accountant.
“Now I will be attending Stellenbosch University and doing my accounting degree. I have over five bursars paying for my tertiary studies throughout my course,” she says proudly.
Her mom could not be there to share in her joy because she’s working.
“My mom works as a taxi driver along the Manenberg and Claremont route,” explains Dilshaad.
“I would have loved to have her here, but I know it’s a busy job and I understand. I’ve always been a shy person, but achieving this has made me proud.
“Now there are positive things to say about Manenberg,” she adds.
Zainab Abrahams, 72, was over the moon and close to tears when her great-granddaughter came home.
“Algamdulillah! We can only thank Allah for his Grace upon us. I want to say thank you to The Leadership College, too; the way they motivate the children is inspiring.
“We are all so proud of Dilshaad.”