Celebrating Rudolph Lekay's journey to matric success through hard work and determination

Rudolph Lekay, the determined matriculant who sold sweets and pretzels to pay for his matric ball, has earned a bachelor’s pass.

When the results were released at Florida High School on Tuesday, January 13, Rudolph admitted he was overwhelmed with nerves as he waited to see his outcome.

Rudolph raised more than R10 000 by selling snacks at the Town Centre taxi rank, not only to cover his matric and travel costs but also to support his family. His entrepreneurial journey began back in Grade 9, when he started selling small packets of sweets for R2 and R3, along with pretzels for R2 ("Morgenster matriculant raises R10k by selling sweets and pretzels," Plainsman June 20).

After a break, he revived the idea in December 2024 and continued working until April last year. Each morning, between 5am and 6am, he sold his snacks on his way to school, commuting from Town Centre to Ravensmead, to his school ("Rudolph Lekay's inspiring journey to his matric ball" Plainsman October 10).

Rudolph felt calm the day before the results were released but grew nervous on the bus to school. “I knew God was in control. This is such a significant thing that I couldn’t help but feel nervous. But God knows the plans He has for my life, and that calmed me.”

When he received his results, he was overcome with joy.

“All the sacrifices, the late nights, and the courage I had to build after failing. I have been fighting for this since Grade 8. I prayed a prayer when I received it. I know it was God’s will,” he said.

His mother, Rosaline Lekay, 64, known as Aunty Rose, said all glory goes to God.

Rudolph said: “My mom made so many sacrifices for me, just to have taxi fare and bus tickets. I just wanted to make her proud, and she was very proud of me.”

This year, Rudolph plans to study business management. He hopes to continue his side hustle selling sweets and chips whenever possible.

“Just because it takes longer doesn’t mean you won’t make it. Your path is set out for you, and you will never have a path like somebody else.”