For Tshenolo Gaesenewe, matric was never only about marks. As a Beast Foundation scholarship recipient at Reddam House Helderfontein, she carried a sense of responsibility into every exam room  not just for herself, but for the opportunity she had been given and the future she was still learning to imagine.

“It made me realise that I should stop underestimating myself and my abilities,” she says. “It also placed a responsibility on me to do my best, because I am not only representing myself, but The Beast Foundation as well.”

Tshenolo’s journey reflects the partnership between Reddam House Helderfontein, an Inspired Education Group school, and The Beast Foundation: a shared commitment to identifying high-potential students and backing them with the academic environment, boarding support and long-term mentorship needed to thrive. Together, the school and foundation aim to turn talent into sustained opportunity, both in the classroom and beyond.

Selected from more than 200 applicants nationally, Tshenolo received a full high school scholarship through The Beast Foundation, covering tuition and boarding, with additional support for uniforms, stationery and textbooks. In 2025, she completed her matric year with four distinctions in History, English First Language, isiZulu First Additional Language and Life Orientation, including a first-in-class placement for Life Orientation.

Reddam House Helderfontein Executive Head Brian Armitage says Tshenolo’s journey reflects what is possible when talent is matched with support and sustained effort. “Tshenolo has approached her

schooling with humility, perseverance and a quiet determination to grow,” he says. “Her results, her leadership and the way she has contributed to school life speak to a student who has fully embraced opportunity.”

While her results speak clearly, the journey to that point was shaped by steady discipline and a willingness to seek support when needed.

“Even though I got my foot through the door because of my academics, I learned that I shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when my own effort or understanding is not enough,” she says. “Especially in Maths and Physics.”

Staying focused through matric required more than study timetables. Tshenolo anchored herself in a phrase that became her quiet mantra: Ase rona ke maatla a Modimo “It’s not us, it’s the power of God.”

“The anxiety can creep in,” she says. “Knowing that if you don’t get things right, it could affect your future. The way I stayed focused was by trusting that God has a plan for all of us. It might not be what I had envisioned, but I believe He will guide me through and help me find the right path.”

That sense of grounding carried her into spaces she never expected to occupy. One of her proudest achievements during matric had nothing to do with exam marks.

“Making it into the matric public speaking team,” she says. “I’m not someone who would willingly speak in front of a crowd. Being able to stand in front of complete strangers was a really big moment for me.”

Outside the classroom, Tshenolo’s school experience evolved in unexpected ways. While she initially played hockey and soccer, she stepped away from both in Grade 11 when the demands became too heavy.

“Honestly, I preferred being a first aider at matches rather than actually playing,” she says. “First aiding shaped my school experience. Working alongside emergency responders and mentoring younger first aiders helped me realise that I still wanted to be part of the action on the field, but in a helping role rather than as a player.”

Music and performance also played a defining role. Choir, marimbas and performance spaces became places where she found confidence and joy.

“Choir has always been something I’ve loved,” she says. “Performing with the marimbas and djembe drums made me feel truly alive. It allowed me to step onto the stage without fearing the eyes of others.”

Her plans after school have evolved over time. While she once spoke about civil engineering, Tshenolo now sees her future in healthcare.

“First aiding helped me realise how much I enjoy being a healthcare provider,” she explains. “Through job shadowing and community service, I’ve seen how much impact healthcare workers have on their communities. I want to be part of that impact, and I’m excited to learn more about healthcare, the human body and medicine.”

On results day, her gratitude is expansive and deeply personal.

“I thank God first and foremost,” she says. “He has been with me from beginning to end and blessed me with amazing friends and family who supported me throughout this journey.”

She speaks with particular appreciation for her family, especially her mother. “She believed in me and prayed for this scholarship. She helped build my self-confidence and taught me that a woman is a plan. No matter what happens, you always make a plan.”

She is equally clear about the role of The Beast Foundation in her journey. “The opportunity to study at Reddam is one of God’s greatest gifts,” she says. “Through The Beast Foundation, it was made possible. Thank you not only for the scholarship, but also for the small things along the way — school trips, camps, textbooks and my school uniform.”

Tendai Mtawarira, Founder of The Beast Foundation, says Tshenolo’s journey shows why long-term scholarship support matters. “When committed young people are matched with the right environment and consistent support, they don’t only achieve academically,” he says. “They grow in confidence, develop ambition and begin to see a future that is bigger than their circumstances.”

She credits her mentor, Thando, for creating a safe and supportive space, and thanks her teachers and friends for standing by throughout her years at Reddam House Helderfontein.

“A special shout-out to Mrs Wessels,” she adds. “She played a huge role in my boarding experience and always made sure I never missed any important announcements or updates from The Beast Foundation.”

For Tshenolo Gaesenewe, matric is not the end of a journey. It is a moment of affirmation — that with faith, focus and the courage to ask for help, doors can open and remain open.… / ENDS