mbulelo smpofu
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
HER dream of becoming a neurologist is now within reach for Ms Silethemba Dube (19), who achieved an impressive 15 points in her 2024 Zimsec A-level results.
Ms Dube pursued the challenging combination of Pure Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry (MBC), driven by her passion for medicine and her determination to address the shortage of neurology specialists in Zimbabwe.
“Some people often shy away from science subjects, especially girls, saying they are difficult, but I’ve always been a science person at heart. From a very young age, I knew I would study either MBC or MPC at A-level. I had always heard these combinations were tough, but I’m always up for a challenge,” she said.
Ms Dube’s academic journey has not been without its challenges. She attributes her success to hard work, dedication and faith in God.
“My target from the start of A-level was 15 points, and I never compromised on this goal. My aim is always to reach the highest I can because I don’t want to be mediocre,” she said.
Ms Dube completed her O-level at John Tallach High School in 2022, attaining 3 As, 7 Bs and a C. She later transferred to St Columbus High School for her A-level studies. Despite her good O-level results, she felt she could have done better and was determined to excel in her A-levels.
“My O-level results were good, but they weren’t amazing. I knew I could do better, so I started Lower Six with a mindset to redeem myself. I didn’t waste a second. During the first term of Lower Six, I was in the bottom 10, and I had to study and study and do more studying,” she said.
Ms Dube urged learners to start studying early and consistently, particularly for science subjects, as last-minute revision is ineffective.
While excelling academically, Ms Dube also nurtured her love for spoken word poetry. Her passion for poetry began in primary school and grew stronger during secondary school.
She performed her first poem publicly during a career day at school and later entered her first poetry competition in Lower Six.
“Spoken word poetry plays a huge role in my life as it is therapeutic. It helps me detox and relax. It also exercises my brain and keeps me mentally productive. Sciences can strain and drain you mentally, but having a hobby like poetry has helped me cope,” said Ms Dube.
She credited her family, especially her mother, for their unwavering support and acknowledged her peers from school for their encouragement and motivation.
With her sights set on university, Miss Dube hopes to study medicine and specialise in neurosurgery, combining her love for science with her determination to make a difference in Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector. —@DubeMatutu
shloboe boe
