MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Hillcrest Secondary School learner Mbali Khanyisile Gceya faced one of life's most difficult and heartbreaking losses in the middle of his final matric exams: the death of his father.

Despite this tragedy and the emotional toll it took on him and his family, the 18 year old went on to pass all his exams and expects to start his studies in commercial and political law this year, either at the University of Cape Town or at Rhodes University.

Gceya told Mossel Bay Advertiser the year was tough and the workload overwhelming, and that was all before his father died.

"I had to stay strong because I had to carry on. I feel God was the one helping me pass," he said.

"The death had a huge impact on my family, especially my mom, but she is a strong woman and she had a way of grieving that didn't affect my studies negatively during those final exams. She stood strong while I was writing; she was always positive and she became both my mother and father during that time," he said.

"I have been accepted to study at Rhodes and the University of Cape Town, but I think I am leaning toward attending Rhodes."

When asked what advice he had for the Class of 2025, especially those who might face heartbreak in their final year, he said learners should remain optimistic and be open to the different paths ahead of them.

"We cannot predict the future, but remain strong, stay committed and disciplined. Remember where you come from, know where you are heading, and work hard towards that," he said.

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