For Pirash Baijnath, family means everything to him. That is one of the reasons he hopes to study electronic engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
"I have been accepted to study at other tertiary institutions in other provinces but I prefer to remain in Durban. Electronic engineering is demanding and will become more so as the years progress. Opting to remain here means I will have a family support structure with my parents and maternal and paternal grandparents. I have also heard that the UKZN campus is amazing, so that is the bonus," said Pirash.
"Now I look forward to starting a new chapter in my life in university. I have mixed feelings. There will be new experiences and opportunities that will present themselves. I know there will also be a lot of hard work and effort needed to get me through these years but it will be worth it."
The 18-year-old, of Somerset Park, matriculated from Reddam House uMhlanga with 7 distinctions in the IEB examinations, with an average of 92%. Pirash attained 97% for mathematics and more than 90% in English, accounting and information technology.
He said he was happy with his results.
"This was a crucial year. I put my head down to study but I also ensured I had a balanced lifestyle. I was determined to achieve the goals I set for myself, and these goals were reasonable. When I saw my final results, I felt relieved. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders."
His advice to this year's matric pupils: "Make sure you find a balance between work and play. It's important to ensure you don't burn yourself out. Remain calm, determined and disciplined throughout the heavy studying periods but also have fun and enjoy the year when you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help."
He and his family, as well as his friends and their families, celebrated the results over dinner.