Following in the footsteps of his idol, Dr. Khangelani Sibiya, Theophilus Ntshalintshali won big at the UKZN Academic Awards; the ceremony was held at the UKZN Edgewood Campus.
Theo decided to join the WTS Math and Science Academy under the leadership of the globally recognized Dr. Khangelani Sibiya. “It was one of my biggest dreams since 2020 to be mentored by Dr. Sibiya. After joining the WTS Team, my career started to shine from there because WTS is the biggest tutoring institute in SA. I am now a tutor there, and I also work with UKZN tutoring students,” Theo said.
Every year, UKZN recognizes and rewards students and tutors with outstanding academic achievements and has also shown excellence in community engagement. The prestigious ceremony recognized and celebrated academic merit at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. “I was nominated for the Distinguished Leadership Award under the faculty of education by UKZN students,” said Theo.
More than 500 students were nominated for this award. Theo was also honored with being the best tutor in geometry.
“I am very honored and grateful for this award. My brother receiving this Distinguished Leadership Award is a great milestone for me and a confirmation that my sacrifices are not in vain. I believe that with great passion and diligence, the sky is the limit, and this award will enable me to progress further in continuing to achieve greater heights in tutoring and in my career,” concluded Theo.
Like his mentor, Dr. Sibiya, he feels that it is always inspiring to be recognized by your peers, and has already been contacted by three schools in Jorburg and five in KZN to work with them in 2024 after winning the Academic Awards.
Hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn are the main recipients of success. Theo decided to learn from someone who is a definition of success in education and has learned as much as possible, and the results are starting to show.