MPHEPHU - The Northern Province's best Economics pupil last year, is frustrated as he is still not sure if he will get funds to start his studies in Chartered Accounting with the University of Cape Town.

Nkhumeleni Thavhiwa (18) of Mphephu High, resides in the rural village of Ha-Makatu in Nzhelele. Besides becoming the best Economics pupil, he obtained two A's and two B's one C and one D in the final exams. The other A symbol was for Accounting.

His concern is that his father, Alpheus, will not be able to afford his studies, as he is struggling to support the family with his R570 disability grant. His mother, Lydia, is also not employed.

Thavhiwa who was once selected as the best academic performer in 1999 and best English debate pupil in 2000, said he studied hard, hoping that he would get financial support for his tertiary education. "Since Grade 7, I studied very hard. I was very focused and disciplined. I also asked God to help me achieve my dreams. I set my dream of taking commerce as my career while I was doing Grade 10."