Olwethu Masuku
28 September 2022 |
Olwethu MasukuCurro Helderwyk - 2017 |
Is life just a numbers game? We are yet to determine the answer. However, one thing is certain … it takes being extremely good with numbers (maybe even being a ‘numbers genius’) to achieve a CA(SA) designation. Among other exciting goals, this is exactly what Olwethu Masuku, Curro Helderwyk’s head girl of the Class of 2017, is aspiring to do.
Olwethu (or ‘Woolworths’, as her best friend from school liked to call her) already has some remarkable achievements under her belt. She obtained a BCom (Accounting Sciences) degree from the University of Pretoria as well as a CTA – Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Science (CA stream) from the University of Johannesburg. Olwethu recently moved to Cape Town to start the TOPP programme and will be doing her articles with Sanlam – bringing her one step closer to her CA(SA) designation.
But where did Olwethu’s ambitions come from? Very like from Curro Helderwyk! ‘Curro Helderwyk really opened my eyes to my potential, it was still a newer and small school when I joined but yet it played such a pivotal role in building my confidence. I go into any new situation ready to face it with all the confidence in the world,’ says Olwethu, while also crediting one of her teachers for her outlook on life: ‘I had one incredible teacher, Mr Boshoff, who is unfortunately no longer with us. He believed in me SO much and would always encourage me to be the best version of myself.’
Olwethu looks back over her school journey with fond memories of her friends. ‘My friends made the experience incredible. There was never a dull day! Love and laughter were guaranteed on a daily basis.’ But why did her best friend call her ‘Woolworths’? ‘She liked my Woolies lunchbox,’ Olwethu explains :D.
Woolworths’ dreams do not end at a CA(SA) designation. ‘I want to use my technical knowledge to assist me in my entrepreneurial journey. I have plans to start an NGO which works to give children an opportunity in life to make something of themselves through faith, exposure and education. Another (and bit of a different dream) is to hopefully enter the Miss South Africa pageant.’
To have children reach their full potential is also Olwethu’s dream for our country. ‘Where a child is born should not determine whether or not they make it in life – they deserve a chance irrespective of their background.’ Olwethu’s gentle and caring heart came from her mother, her inspiration. ‘Beyond being undeniably selfless she strives to give her best daily in whatever she does.’ Giving up is never an option, not for Olwethu or her mom.
We cannot wait to see the difference that Olwethu, our future Miss South Africa, will make to our country, and the world. We will be keeping a close eye on her.