Caden Govender is KwaZulu-Natal’s number one pupil in the 2024 National Senior Certificate exams. He also emerged the top candidate in the district and for accounting.
The Greenbury Secondary pupil said he was still reeling in shock from the news that he had taken top honours.
“It’s honestly so amazing. I never in my wildest dreams anticipated this. I got so many people to thank for my success… my mum and brother but also my late dad. I am sad that my dad is not here today to see how well I have done. But I know he would be proud of my achievements. My school and friends really supported me throughout my school years,” said Caden.
His subjects included mathematics, English home language, Afrikaans second additional language, life orientation, life science, physical science and accounting.
The 17-year-old from Phoenix said he had always had a flair for science.
“My favourite subject is maths and I’ve always loved science. I am passionate about mathematics and I know I will give my all to the field of study. I know there is a lot of negativity usually around the top candidates, including that we will not go on to excel at university, but I am going to form my own opinions and give it my all.”
When it came to his winning strategy, he said it comes down to finding the best studying method for oneself.
“I’m different in my method of studying. I believe in being yourself and never try to do what you think is the right way when it comes to studying. Always do what works for you and you will see success.”
He said when he got the call that he was in the top 10, he was overjoyed, especially those around him.
“It was surreal getting the call that I was in the top 10. My entire school was backing me and kept saying I would be number one.
“Ever since I got the call, the phone has been ringing non-stop. When the Department of Education called my teacher to say I got the first position, all the teachers broke out in excitement. It’s such an amazing feeling to share this achievement with everyone.”
He said he planned to study actuarial science at the University of the Witwatersrand, which would keep him busy for the coming years.
“If not actuarial science then I will study medicine. When I was younger, everyone wanted to be a doctor but now I am more fitted to actuarial science. I like to do things differently and since everyone does medicine, especially ex-Greenbury pupils, I want to take a different path.”
His mom, Lucy Govender, said it was an emotional feeling seeing her son do so well.
“I always expected him to do very well and I prayed for him to be placed somewhere in the province. But when I got the call that he was in the top 10, I was thrilled. That call was amazing in itself. It didn’t really matter what position he got but today (Tuesday), it is so emotional knowing he took the number one spot. His hard work and dedication has paid off. As a mother watching him put his all into his work, I am so proud.”
She said she lost her husband five years ago, which was hard on her son but she believed he used that emotion to fuel his success.
“When his dad took ill he was only 13. I believe he took the sadness from watching his dad being ill to building his academics further. He used it to distract him from the loss and it showed in his brilliant results today. However, Caden has always been intelligent. His dad would have been proud of him. It’s bitter-sweet that he is not here today to see how well Caden has done. That hard work paid off.”
Caden will receive a full bursary for university, and was also awarded R10 000 and a laptop.
In a statement online, Greenbury Secondary said that Caden was a great pupil, who deserved the excellent results he had received, especially since the loss of his dad.
“He is an exceptional young gentleman, who represents the community of Phoenix with pride. He has excelled since his academic journey began at Hopeville Primary where he always maintained an A-aggregate. This did not stop when he reached Greenbury Secondary.
“Caden persevered through the sudden loss of his dad, the Covid-19 pandemic as well as other challenging factors around him. He has maintained no other symbol but an A, scoring almost 100% in his internal examination in maths, physics and accounting. Caden is the epitome of hard work and determination.”
Caden was so dedicated to helping others in the pursuit of education, that during his lunch breaks he tutored his classmates.
“This speaks volumes of his character. He strongly believes in the notion that 'no learner is left behind.' He has been accepted at the university of Johannesburg to study actuarial science where he anticipates challenging himself and discovering a life away from home. Caden loves Durban and sees himself returning home after his studies to make a positive difference in the very community that believed he could do it,” read the statement.