A Grade 12 learner from Ligege High School, outside Thohoyandou, made everyone proud when she came out tops in the whole of South Africa during the National School’s Essay Competition on Albinism.

Tshilisanani Nedombeloni (17) was the toast of all the guests during the function to honour her, organized by the Albinism Society of South Africa (ASSA) last week. She was presented with a special trophy and a dictionary.

ASSA is a non-government organization (NGO) established in 1998, to educate the community about albinism, encouraging people with albinism to understand themselves and offering treatment in partnership with the Department of Health and Welfare.

Nedombeloni was amongst thousands of learners who entered the ASSA competition countrywide as part of the awareness for albinism, in April this year under the topic: How do I relate with people with albinism.

Nedombeloni said she was not expecting to come out first when she entered the competition. “Although reading and writing are my hobbies, I never thought I would make it among thousands of learners when I entered the competition. I do not have albinism, but I know what people with albinism experience, because some of them are my friends.” The principal, Mr Eric Matodzi, said they are very proud of Tshilisanani’s achievement. “She has put our school on the national map because of her above-average writing skills. She is quite an intelligent girl who has a bright future ahead of her. She is a role model for our learners and everyone is impressed with her exemplary life.”