Latest news with #MongiwaNtuli
News24
18 hours ago
- Business
- News24
How Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli bagged an actuarial science degree at 17
Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli began her university experience at 15. She found herself having to adjust to the large age gaps between herself and her university peers. Her family allowed her to have as normal a childhood as possible while encouraging her bright mind. ___________________________________________________________________________ While many at her age are still traversing through high school corridors, Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli has just bagged herself an actuarial science degree from the University of Pretoria at just 17 years old. The young and bright mind from Rosettenville, Johannesburg, started her first year at university at 15, having accelerated through primary and high school. How it all started Mongiwa explains, 'When I was in Grade 3, I mistakenly wrote a Grade 4 mathematics paper and scored the highest of all the actual Grade 4 students. My teacher identified this and allowed me to write more Grade 4 papers and saw that I performed exceptionally well.' Fast forward a few years and Mongiwa has pursued her passions in finance and mathematics, choosing actuarial sciences as a happy marriage of the two. Her undergraduate experience Mongiwa shares, 'Undergrad took up most of my time because I had to learn new study techniques because the ones I applied in high school were not sufficient anymore. I had a lot of help and a lot of tutors, which demanded a lot of my time. Spending so much time on my studies allowed me to learn to speak my mind more freely and to be more independent.' READ MORE | Meet the founder of Distinguished Living, an interior design business Undoubtedly, being the youngest in the lecture room is no easy feat and Mongiwa found herself having to find her place in the big world. She explains, 'I can learn about other people easily and I can observe their behaviour effortlessly, while blending in with the students around me. Disadvantages were instances where I could not engage with other people because of a larger, more intimidating age gap. Once people learned about my age, they started treating me more like a younger sibling than treating me like another student.' Mongiwa continues, 'I often felt out of place when attending big conferences or big events where serious topics are discussed and engagement was encouraged. There were highly intellectual people who I couldn't relate to or understand. They also didn't take into account that I only started learning about actuarial science relatively recently and didn't have an extensive background in that field.' Off the cuff What is the most important lesson you've learned from your journey so far? Never forget your roots but don't become your roots. What are five fun things that you like to do in your free time? I love watching medical or murder mysteries series, reading financial and/or self-help books and playing tennis. I also love spending time with my younger brother. He has an interesting point of view on life. I also like listening to music. If you could give advice to students aspiring to excel academically, what would it be? To never give up and to never stop learning. They should grab each and every opportunity they get and make sure that the decisions they make now don't come at the expense of the bright futures they could have. What strategies or habits have been crucial to your success? Making sure I talk to my guardians/family and remain grounded. Praying is a huge part of my life and connecting with other people from other cultures helps me define myself more. A strong support system Although Mongiwa was encouraged to keep her age a secret so as to not be treated differently, through it all, her family as her support system gave a chance to experience a normal, loving and fulfilling childhood. Mongiwa shares, 'I feel that my support system made it as normal as it could be. My age was not flaunted by my family members and I was protected by those around me. I never wanted to know another life.' On her greatest source of support and inspiration, Mongiwa says, 'Definitely my aunt who taught me that failure is not final and to keep going no matter what comes my way. There will always be opposition or adversity whenever you are successful at something. I just have to learn to ignore it and take pride that I am doing the best I can.' What's next for her? Mongiwa has plans to pursue honours and masters degrees and dive into the world of work. She explains, 'My short term goals are to actually pass my exams well enough to get an exemption and also have more job shadowing opportunities before I jump into anything long term. For the next few years I would love to have done something major for my guardians to show my appreciation, acquire some assets and have progressed in my academic and career life.'
News24
4 days ago
- Business
- News24
SA reacts to teen's actuary degree; Matlala's wife in custody: Top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. 'Please delete, worried my mother will see': SA reacts to 17-year-old's actuary degree Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli, at 17, earned an actuarial science degree from the University of Pretoria, becoming the first graduate in her family. Ntuli's achievement sparked widespread admiration and humour on social media, with users reflecting on their own experiences at 17. Her story is celebrated as an inspiring example of perseverance, brilliance and belief in one's potential. READ MORE SAPS/Supplied Olorato Mongale: KZN mother released amid allegations of tipping off wanted son Philangenkosi Makhanya, wanted for the murder of Olorato Mongale, was killed in a police shootout after allegedly being tipped off by his mother. Makhanya was linked to multiple kidnapping cases and found with numerous IDs and cellphones, suggesting a wider criminal network. Police are investigating Makhanya's associates and the source of the IDs and cellphones, while also searching for another suspect believed to have fled to Zimbabwe. Lisalee Solomons/News24 'She did not want to see me': Kelly Smith refuses to say goodbye to mom after sentencing Racquel "Kelly" Smith refused to see her mother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, after receiving a life sentence for kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin. Amanda Smith-Daniels plans to legally adopt Smith's two other children and provide them with stability and love in the Northern Cape. Smith-Daniels expressed her belief that Joshlin is still alive and will be found, while also thanking the community and authorities for their work on the case. READ MORE Picture: Thahasello Mphatsoe/Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24 'Cat' Matlala's wife appears in court, remanded in custody until next week Tsakani Matlala was arrested and charged in connection with the 2023 attempted hit on Tebogo Thobejane. She appeared in court alongside her husband, Vusimusi Matlala, and their case was postponed for bail applications. The other two accused in the case are also linked to a separate murder and will have their case transferred to the High Court. READ MORE Supplied/Absa Absa names new leaders for its retail and business banking units Absa has appointed Christine Wu and Geoffrey Lee as interim co-CEOs of personal and private banking and Faisal Mkhize as CEO of business banking, effective 2 June. This follows Absa's December announcement to restructure its South African retail banking operations, reversing changes made under former CEO Arrie Rautenbach. The announcement comes shortly after Absa named Kenny Fihla as its new CEO, with Charles Russon remaining interim CEO until Fihla's arrival on 17 June. 'We're not here to entertain': Sharks boss Plumtree prepared to win 'ugly' Sharks coach John Plumtree is unconcerned with the aesthetics of his team's play as long as they secure a win in their URC quarter-final against Munster. Plumtree emphasises the importance of winning, even if it means playing "ugly", and focuses on key aspects like set pieces and defence rather than prioritising high scores. The Sharks will field a star-studded lineup, including 12 Springboks, for the crucial match against Munster, with Plumtree highlighting the benefit of having key players available. Durban's Metro FM Awards hosting in limbo as talks for R30 million bid 'still under way' Metro FM says negotiations are ongoing regarding the host of the next Metro FM Music Awards. The eThekwini municipality reportedly earmarked R30 million over three years to host the awards. This comes after KZN withdrew from hosting the 2023 South African Music Awards.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Historic graduation: 17-year-old Mongiwa Ntuli earns Actuarial Science degree
Mongiwa Ntuli is due to graduate soon at the age of 17 in Actuarial Science. This humble academic said she will continue with her studies to reach the milestones she has set for herself. Image: Supplied In a remarkable academic achievement, a 17-year-old student obtained a degree in Actuarial Science. Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli graduated with a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Pretoria. The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, extended a heartfelt congratulations to Ntuli, on Thursday. This extraordinary milestone made Ntuli one of the youngest graduates in the university's history, and a shining example of academic excellence, resilience and the transformative power of education. Originally from Rosettenville in Johannesburg, Ntuli's story is one of exceptional talent, discipline, and vision. Her ability to excel from an early age, her courage to navigate university life years ahead of her peers, and her determination to push through challenges are deeply inspiring. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ "Her pursuit of a qualification in Actuarial Science, a demanding discipline that is central to problem solving, financial risk management, economic modelling, and long-term sustainability is particularly commendable. Ntuli's success is not only a personal triumph but a national beacon of hope. It comes at a time when South Africa is facing a critical decline in the number of learners enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects," Minister Nkabane said. The Minister added that these fields are crucial to building a competitive, inclusive, and resilient economy. "Young people like Ntuli are proof that with the right support and determination, our youth can rise to the task of building a stronger, more sustainable South African economy. Her story affirms the importance of identifying and nurturing talent early, and of creating learning environments that support young people to thrive, regardless of age, gender or background. Ntuli is not only breaking boundaries in the academic space; she is breaking intergenerational barriers, becoming the first graduate in her family, and lighting the way for countless others," the Minister further stated. Nkabane encouraged learners across the country, especially young girls, to take inspiration from Ntuli's journey. "As she continues her studies and charts a path into the professional world, Hazel carries with her the hopes of a nation and the pride of her community," the Minister further added. Ntuli's academic prowess was picked up during her early schooling days. 'When I was in Grade 3, I mistakenly wrote a Grade 4 mathematics paper and scored the highest of all the actual Grade 4 learners. My teacher identified this and allowed me to write more Grade 4 papers, and saw that I performed exceptionally well,' Ntuli said. Her achievements, she says, are grounded in gratitude and faith. 'I first and foremost attribute it all to God.' Choosing UP was an easy decision for Mongiwa. 'It was the first university to call out to me when I applied. It has the best perks and is one of the top-ranked actuarial science departments that is internationally recognised.' The balance of being both 'far and near' to home added to the appeal. 'Many students treated me like the little sister they never had. There were a lot of expectations of me, and it got difficult to meet those expectations,' she said. Now pursuing an Honours degree, Mongiwa has no plans to slow down. 'After this, I'm planning to both work and further my studies. I've always wanted an MBA.' Her long-term vision includes qualifying as an actuary and stepping into the business world when the time is right. As the first in her family to graduate from university, Mongiwa sees this moment not just as a personal victory but as a generational milestone. 'My parents will have their much-deserved bragging rights. It will alleviate a lot of pressure and burdens that my family has been carrying for so long.' BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
