17-year-old South African teenager Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli from Rosettenville, Johannesburg, has graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the University of Pretoria (UP), making her one of the youngest graduates in the institution’s history.
Ntuli’s academic journey began in Grade 3, where she inadvertently took a Grade 4 mathematics exam and achieved the highest score among all Grade 4 students. Recognizing her exceptional abilities, her teacher provided her with more advanced material, leading to her rapid progression through primary and secondary education. By 2022, at just 14 years old, she commenced her university studies at the University of Pretoria.
Choosing the University of Pretoria was a deliberate decision for Ntuli. She stated, “It was the first university to call out to me when I applied. It has the best perks and is one of the top-ranked actuarial science departments that is internationally recognised.”
Despite her academic prowess, Ntuli faced challenges due to her age. “Many students treated me like the little sister they never had. There were a lot of expectations of me, and it got difficult to meet those expectations,” she reflected.
Her achievements have garnered national attention. Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane lauded Ntuli’s accomplishment, describing it as “an extraordinary milestone” and a “beacon of hope for the nation.” The Minister emphasized the importance of Ntuli’s success in inspiring more learners to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.
Ntuli aspires to qualify as an actuary and obtain an MBA in the future. She expressed gratitude for her support system, including mentors, friends, lecturers, and her house mother, Zamile, who encouraged her to step out of her shell.
