From resilience forged in loss to triumph earned through discipline and faith, Atlegang Kgoleng’s matric journey is nothing short of inspiring. Named one of Gauteng’s top achievers with five distinctions, she shares a powerful message of hope, perseverance, and rising above circumstance, reminding us all that where you start does not determine how far you can go.
Often describing herself as a phoenix rising from the ashes, Atlegang’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets intention. Through faith, self-discipline, and the support of her family, she defied the odds stacked against her and emerged stronger, wiser, and ready to dream beyond limitation. Her story is not just about matric results, it’s about hope, purpose, and reminding every young person that their circumstances do not define their potential.
Glamour: Congratulations on achieving five distinctions and being named one of Gauteng’s top matric achievers. What does this moment mean to you personally?
Atlegang: Thank you! As much as this moment is about celebration, it’s more about a deep sense of gratitude and relief. Matric carries a heavy pressure that there's only one question that comes after it all. “What's next?” And I felt that weight significantly. I knew I couldn't fully step into this future that I was working towards without first facing the huge moment of result release day. So seeing my results felt like finally exhaling a breath I’d been holding onto for so long. It was proof that the effort, discipline, and long, stressful days led to something bigger than what I'd prayed for.
Glamour: When you first saw your results, what was the very first thought or emotion that crossed your mind?
Atlegang: When I first saw my results, my initial reaction was disbelief, I literally said out loud, ‘You are lying!’ a million times. I jumped into my family member’s arms and just had to sit for a moment, staring at the screen to make sure it was real. I immediately wanted to call my family to let them know that everything they’d been saying and affirming about me had actually become a reality. And right after that, I just wanted to dance knowing that GOD DID.
Glamour: Looking back on your journey, what does this achievement represent in terms of the challenges you’ve overcome and the growth you’ve experienced?
Atlegang: My aunty once told me I’m like a phoenix, I rise through the ashes, and that’s exactly what this achievement represents. Life has thrown a lot of unpredictability my way: navigating different schools, learning to take my education seriously after not always being focused, and experiencing personal losses that were heavy but shaped me. Each challenge pushed me to be resilient, intentional about what I want, and importantly to keep my faith alive and show up for myself by wanting and knowing I deserve better, even when it felt impossible. This achievement is proof that rising through difficulty is possible, that growth starts from having persistence through discomfort, faith and being intentional.
Glamour: Your story is one of perseverance and defying the odds. What were some of the obstacles you faced along the way, and how did they shape you?
Atlegang: Before the age of 10, I lost two really important people in my life, which destabilised a lot of things. Navigating that without fully understanding what it meant was challenging, but it also gave me purpose once I figured it out. Having to move around a lot meant adapting quickly, adjusting to new environments and different schools, and lastly, compromising my passion for sports to focus and be more intentional about my academics really did sting. My journey has been full of challenges and uncomfortable growth, and has led to, as cliché as it sounds, the understanding that everything happens for a reason. Just look at where I am now.
Glamour: Was there a point during your matric year when things felt overwhelming or uncertain? How did you push through that moment?
Atlegang: Yes, there were moments when things felt overwhelming at the beginning of the year. Due to personal circumstances, I missed the first few weeks of matric, and being at home while watching my peers go to school was really hard. For a moment, I genuinely thought I wouldn’t finish matric the way I wanted to or at all. Later during prelims, I was scared that what was happening in my personal life would spill into my results. What helped me push through was deciding to keep showing up anyway. I focused on what I could control, leaned into my faith, and reminded myself that starting behind didn’t mean I couldn’t still finish strong.
Glamour: Who or what played a significant role in supporting and motivating you throughout this journey?
Atlegang: My aunt created a stable, safe space for me and always went out of her way to make sure I was okay. She reminded me that school is important, but so is my mental health, and that taking breaks is part of the process. We’d have our favorite thing, long conversations over tea about everything and anything. She really provided calm during the storm. Alongside her, my cousins, who have become like my siblings, were also there for me every step of the way. Their love and support made a huge difference.
Glamour: What daily habits, routines, or mindsets do you believe contributed most to your academic success?
Atlegang: Believe it or not, taking naps became part of my routine. I’d rest around the same time every day, and it really helped me reset and feel refreshed before studying again. More than anything, my mindset was about blocking out everything else and being fully present in what I was doing at that moment which was studying. I also created boundaries to make sure studying didn’t take over my whole life. At a certain time every day, I’d stop and dedicate that time to resting and recouping. I didn’t allow the books to consume me to the point of overload or burnout. This included not studying in the early mornings, and by 10p.m., if I hadn’t reached my goals for the day, I’d close my books and sleep.
Glamour: How did you stay disciplined and focused, especially during times of pressure or self-doubt?
Atlegang: When I felt pressure or self-doubt, I had very honest conversations with myself. I’d ask, ‘Did you really make it this far for nothing? Is this where we stop after all the fighting? Is this really what you want for yourself?’ I’d remind myself of the future I was working towards, the independence I wanted, the university I dreamed of, and the life I know I deserve. It may sound harsh but it was necessary. Those questions kept me grounded and disciplined. They reminded me that giving up wasn’t an option, and that I owed it to myself and my families sacrifices to keep going
Glamour: If you had to identify one personal quality that helped you succeed, what would it be and why?
Atlegang: If I had to pick one thing that kept me going, it’s my deep desire to be happy. That’s all. Open to interpretation, but that’s what drove me.
Glamour: As you look ahead, what are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Atlegang: Moving forward,I just want to release myself from all the heavy expectations I put on myself in high school. I want to start on a clean slate. Of course, the goal is to do well academically and complete my degree, but I also want to be present in the moment, enjoy each day, and explore different things to really figure out what I like and don’t like. I don’t want to limit myself or place myself in a box anymore. The end goal is to complete my degree, and along the way, I want to feel more confident in myself and let go of self-doubt, because I know now I’m capable of doing amazing things. That’s the dream I’m chasing.
Glamour: What field of study or career path are you planning to pursue, and what inspired that choice?
Atlegang: I want to pursue a career in law. I chose law because I’ve seen how much power, knowledge, and access I have and I want to be someone who understands the system instead of being intimidated by it. I've seen the repercussions of not having the right legal representation or even someone who truly understands what a client needs. That leaves an effect for generations.
I want to be able to uplift families and individuals, making sure they get what is rightfully, legally theirs and what they deserve. Becoming a lawyer feels like a way I can help create legacy and real, lasting impact.
Glamour: How do you hope to use your education and achievements to make a positive impact in your community or beyond?
Atlegang: I want to assist those who have been academically excluded due to financial constraints. I don’t know exactly how I’ll do it yet, but it’s something I plan on researching and finding out. I want to explore ways to make education more accessible and to help people have the opportunities they deserve.
Glamour: Being recognised as a top achiever often places you in a leadership role. How do you feel about being seen as a role model for others?
Atlegang: I didn’t intentionally achieve high marks to be seen or recognised as a leader, but if that means I’m in a position to inspire, I want to reach out to those who are often overlooked because of where they come from, what they have, or what they don’t have. I want to encourage people who are fearful of tomorrow, whose doors have been shut in their faces, or who are struggling to believe in themselves, that everything that has happened to them is not a reflection of what they deserve or what they can become. They are not limited by their circumstances whether within their control or not, and they shouldn’t allow for these things to make them despondent. It will be hard, it will be difficult, it will be painful, but it is all worth it, and they can create something better for themselves if they keep on going.
Glamour: What kind of legacy would you like to build not only academically, but as a young South African navigating the future?
Atlegang: When people look at my story, I want them to remember to never judge a book by its cover and to never undermine what someone is capable of. No one is truly useless; they just need the space, support, and resources to achieve their potential. I want to create access for people and inspire resilience through difficulties. I want others to be intentional about what they truly want and to not let anyone or anything stand in their way.
Glamour: Many learners may be feeling disappointed by their results this year. What message would you like to share with those who didn’t make it or didn’t achieve what they hoped for?
Atlegang: If your results aren’t what you intended, I want to remind you that a dream delayed is not a dream denied. Sit down with your family, friends, or anyone important in your life and have an honest conversation about your expectations, what you wanted to achieve, and the steps you can take to get there. There’s no shame in rewriting exams, upgrading your marks, or taking a different path if it helps you reach your goals. We’re still young, there’s so much to learn, and it’s never truly over. Just because your story looks different from someone else’s doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it makes you unique and it gives you the chance to own your journey.
Glamour: What would you say to remind them that their results do not define their worth or limit their potential?
Atlegang: I want to remind everyone that your marks do not define who you are, and they don’t define your worth. As humans, we are multidimensional, and marks only capture one side of that. The curriculum can’t measure everything that makes someone human. It doesn’t include everyday experiences that shape our values, and we all think differently. Not everyone is math-inclined, physically inclined, or naturally good with big words. So it’s incomplete to judge a person based on marks alone because that would leave out qualities such as resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence, leadership and creativity which create values within a person.
Glamour: What advice would you give to future matriculants preparing for this journey?
Atlegang: I would tell future matriculants that this year goes by so fast. So it's very important to be present in all the experiences that come with it and high school. The friendships, the culture, sports, and every other extracurricular activity. I encourage you to soak it in, however, at the same time, be intentional with your academics because the effort you put in now will open doors for you later. But don't let it take over your life. It's important to take care of yourself and create a healthy balance. Lastly, you need to make sure your mental and emotional well-being are a priority. If not, burnout is real and can happen at any time.
Glamour: If you could go back and speak to your younger self at the start of matric, what guidance would you offer?
Atlegang: If I could speak to my younger self at the start of matric, I’d encourage myself to seek more guidance from my teachers. And whenever I felt emotionally overwhelmed or under pressure, I would remind myself to take a break, step away from the books and do something that helps me reset
Glamour: What is the most important lesson matric has taught you academically or personally?
Atlegang: Matric has taught me that what is happening right now is not a representation of what is to come. Just because things feel hard, uncertain and even overwhelming in the moment, It does not mean that’s how your story will end. Just keep on keeping on.
Glamour: If your journey had one message you’d like people to take away, what would it be?
Atlegang: The one message I’d want people to take away from my journey is to rise above what’s happening around you. You might be a victim of your circumstances, good or bad, but what matters is what you make of it. Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t, and use that to create the best version of your life. Rise above, always!
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