Olebogeng “Ole” Dintoe has a passion for Mathematics and he hopes to use it one day, to uplift South Africans and tackle the energy crisis.
South Africa (11 October 2022) – A story filled with hope has blossomed at the Moletsane Secondary School in Soweto, Johannesburg. Olebogeng Dintoe has become the top Mathematics achiever in his school, and he is only in grade eight.
The reason for this incredible accomplishment, is that Olebogeng has unwavering support in the subject. His teacher, Mr Arthur Shiba uses 30% of his salary to support students in need each month. He says that teaching is a calling and being on the ground, he gets to see the need. Mr Shiba helps buy uniforms or brings lunch when giving extra lessons on the weekends.
“The innate Ubuntu in you, tells you what to do” – Mr Arthur Shiba
The school principal at Moletsane was previously Mr Shiba’s teacher when he was in school. Mr Shiba says that he always felt supported, even though he wasn’t the best in the class. He says the very best in him was highlighted and uplifted throughout his schooling career, which set him on his own path to becoming a teacher.
“When I see these kids, I do not see them as grade eights, I see them as the potential they have for the future. They are the future CEOs, state enterprise managers, entrepreneurs and maybe even the future leaders of the country.”
Mr Shiba does everything he can to help these young minds reach their greatest potential. He advises fellow teachers to look beyond the job and to see the good in each child, much like how he saw the potential within Olebogeng.
13-Year-Old Olebogeng “Ole” Dintoe is currently in grade eight at the Moletsane Secondary School. In his first year of high school he has already gone on to represent his school at the provincial level in Mathematics.
Growing up in Soweto has not been without its challenges but he hopes his success at school will be the starting point to lifting his family out of the poverty cycle.
Olebogeng lost his mother at the age of three, so his father took over raising him and they have been together ever since. Sadly, a few years ago, his father was in an accident that almost cost him his life. During his recovery, he lost his job and the family struggled to get back on their feet. Olebogeng became determined to make a difference.
When starting at Moletsane Secondary School, he took every opportunity to learn and grow. Olebongeng thrived due to Mr Shiba’s unwavering support of his students. His love of mathematics grew and he became the top achiever in his entire school.
Through entering local olympiads, Olebogeng has been able to make his school, Mr Shiba and his father immensely proud. He feels honoured to be able represent his school. He has competed on a provincial level and went on to earn one of the top three places in Gauteng recently.
He is committed to his future and furthering his education and one day hopes to become an electrical engineer or doctor. He hopes to lift South Africa out of its power crisis.
Olebogeng has set his mind to working hard at his school grades so that he can earn a scholarship or bursary for university, by the time he graduates grade 9. Speaking to Olebogeng, we don’t doubt he can achieve his goals; he is a young man brimming with hope and promise.
He stays motivated by staying in contact with his teachers, especially Mr Shiba who he calls caring and supportive. When asked how he stays focused, Olebogeng says he doesn’t tolerate distractions during class time. His teachers get 100% of his focus and time. He shares some advice for fellow students who want to achieve more, saying,
“It doesn’t matter what background you come from, no matter how many challenges you are facing, if you study hard and focus, you can achieve it” – Olebogeng Dintoe
MiWay has been working with the Moletsane Secondary School since 2014, when they set up the first of the MiHeart Computer Labs. The school thrived with the investment and has since become the flagship CSI project for MiWay; they have upgraded the school library and assisted families during the pandemic, supplying food parcels and PPE, and even helped learners study through the darkness, thanks to solar lighting.
Today, MiWay invests in the school by helping to mentor matric learners as part of the MiHeart Leaders in the Making mentorship programme. They also run the MiHeart Bursary programme to help matric students who qualify for tertiary education.
The continued support sees more young learners like Olebogeng thrive. When given the tools, many young minds set their sights on a future that changes lives for all!
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