Latest news with #actuarialscience
News24
03-06-2025
- Business
- News24
How Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli bagged an actuarial science degree at 17
Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli began her university experience at 15. She found herself having to adjust to the large age gaps between herself and her university peers. Her family allowed her to have as normal a childhood as possible while encouraging her bright mind. ___________________________________________________________________________ While many at her age are still traversing through high school corridors, Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli has just bagged herself an actuarial science degree from the University of Pretoria at just 17 years old. The young and bright mind from Rosettenville, Johannesburg, started her first year at university at 15, having accelerated through primary and high school. How it all started Mongiwa explains, 'When I was in Grade 3, I mistakenly wrote a Grade 4 mathematics paper and scored the highest of all the actual Grade 4 students. My teacher identified this and allowed me to write more Grade 4 papers and saw that I performed exceptionally well.' Fast forward a few years and Mongiwa has pursued her passions in finance and mathematics, choosing actuarial sciences as a happy marriage of the two. Her undergraduate experience Mongiwa shares, 'Undergrad took up most of my time because I had to learn new study techniques because the ones I applied in high school were not sufficient anymore. I had a lot of help and a lot of tutors, which demanded a lot of my time. Spending so much time on my studies allowed me to learn to speak my mind more freely and to be more independent.' READ MORE | Meet the founder of Distinguished Living, an interior design business Undoubtedly, being the youngest in the lecture room is no easy feat and Mongiwa found herself having to find her place in the big world. She explains, 'I can learn about other people easily and I can observe their behaviour effortlessly, while blending in with the students around me. Disadvantages were instances where I could not engage with other people because of a larger, more intimidating age gap. Once people learned about my age, they started treating me more like a younger sibling than treating me like another student.' Mongiwa continues, 'I often felt out of place when attending big conferences or big events where serious topics are discussed and engagement was encouraged. There were highly intellectual people who I couldn't relate to or understand. They also didn't take into account that I only started learning about actuarial science relatively recently and didn't have an extensive background in that field.' Off the cuff What is the most important lesson you've learned from your journey so far? Never forget your roots but don't become your roots. What are five fun things that you like to do in your free time? I love watching medical or murder mysteries series, reading financial and/or self-help books and playing tennis. I also love spending time with my younger brother. He has an interesting point of view on life. I also like listening to music. If you could give advice to students aspiring to excel academically, what would it be? To never give up and to never stop learning. They should grab each and every opportunity they get and make sure that the decisions they make now don't come at the expense of the bright futures they could have. What strategies or habits have been crucial to your success? Making sure I talk to my guardians/family and remain grounded. Praying is a huge part of my life and connecting with other people from other cultures helps me define myself more. A strong support system Although Mongiwa was encouraged to keep her age a secret so as to not be treated differently, through it all, her family as her support system gave a chance to experience a normal, loving and fulfilling childhood. Mongiwa shares, 'I feel that my support system made it as normal as it could be. My age was not flaunted by my family members and I was protected by those around me. I never wanted to know another life.' On her greatest source of support and inspiration, Mongiwa says, 'Definitely my aunt who taught me that failure is not final and to keep going no matter what comes my way. There will always be opposition or adversity whenever you are successful at something. I just have to learn to ignore it and take pride that I am doing the best I can.' What's next for her? Mongiwa has plans to pursue honours and masters degrees and dive into the world of work. She explains, 'My short term goals are to actually pass my exams well enough to get an exemption and also have more job shadowing opportunities before I jump into anything long term. For the next few years I would love to have done something major for my guardians to show my appreciation, acquire some assets and have progressed in my academic and career life.'
News24
30-05-2025
- Business
- News24
SA reacts to teen's actuary degree; Matlala's wife in custody: Top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. 'Please delete, worried my mother will see': SA reacts to 17-year-old's actuary degree Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli, at 17, earned an actuarial science degree from the University of Pretoria, becoming the first graduate in her family. Ntuli's achievement sparked widespread admiration and humour on social media, with users reflecting on their own experiences at 17. Her story is celebrated as an inspiring example of perseverance, brilliance and belief in one's potential. READ MORE SAPS/Supplied Olorato Mongale: KZN mother released amid allegations of tipping off wanted son Philangenkosi Makhanya, wanted for the murder of Olorato Mongale, was killed in a police shootout after allegedly being tipped off by his mother. Makhanya was linked to multiple kidnapping cases and found with numerous IDs and cellphones, suggesting a wider criminal network. Police are investigating Makhanya's associates and the source of the IDs and cellphones, while also searching for another suspect believed to have fled to Zimbabwe. Lisalee Solomons/News24 'She did not want to see me': Kelly Smith refuses to say goodbye to mom after sentencing Racquel "Kelly" Smith refused to see her mother, Amanda Smith-Daniels, after receiving a life sentence for kidnapping and trafficking her daughter, Joshlin. Amanda Smith-Daniels plans to legally adopt Smith's two other children and provide them with stability and love in the Northern Cape. Smith-Daniels expressed her belief that Joshlin is still alive and will be found, while also thanking the community and authorities for their work on the case. READ MORE Picture: Thahasello Mphatsoe/Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24 'Cat' Matlala's wife appears in court, remanded in custody until next week Tsakani Matlala was arrested and charged in connection with the 2023 attempted hit on Tebogo Thobejane. She appeared in court alongside her husband, Vusimusi Matlala, and their case was postponed for bail applications. The other two accused in the case are also linked to a separate murder and will have their case transferred to the High Court. READ MORE Supplied/Absa Absa names new leaders for its retail and business banking units Absa has appointed Christine Wu and Geoffrey Lee as interim co-CEOs of personal and private banking and Faisal Mkhize as CEO of business banking, effective 2 June. This follows Absa's December announcement to restructure its South African retail banking operations, reversing changes made under former CEO Arrie Rautenbach. The announcement comes shortly after Absa named Kenny Fihla as its new CEO, with Charles Russon remaining interim CEO until Fihla's arrival on 17 June. 'We're not here to entertain': Sharks boss Plumtree prepared to win 'ugly' Sharks coach John Plumtree is unconcerned with the aesthetics of his team's play as long as they secure a win in their URC quarter-final against Munster. Plumtree emphasises the importance of winning, even if it means playing "ugly", and focuses on key aspects like set pieces and defence rather than prioritising high scores. The Sharks will field a star-studded lineup, including 12 Springboks, for the crucial match against Munster, with Plumtree highlighting the benefit of having key players available. Durban's Metro FM Awards hosting in limbo as talks for R30 million bid 'still under way' Metro FM says negotiations are ongoing regarding the host of the next Metro FM Music Awards. The eThekwini municipality reportedly earmarked R30 million over three years to host the awards. This comes after KZN withdrew from hosting the 2023 South African Music Awards.
News24
30-05-2025
- General
- News24
‘Please delete, worried my mother will see': SA reacts to 17-year-old's actuary degree
At just 17, Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli earned an actuarial science degree from the University of Pretoria while becoming the first graduate in her family, sparking national admiration and praise. Social media erupted with a mix of celebration and humour, with users reflecting on their own 17-year-old experiences compared to Ntuli's remarkable achievement. Some teens around the country jokingly asked for her posts to be deleted so that their own mothers don't see her remarkable achievement. Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli's incredible journey has captured the hearts of many, sparking admiration, inspiration, and much-needed doses of humour from social media users. Graduating from the University of Pretoria with a degree in actuarial science at the age of 17, Ntuli not only broke barriers as one of the institution's youngest graduates but also celebrated a monumental achievement as the first in her family to reach this milestone. Her story of brilliance and resilience began in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, with an early academic spark that hinted at her exceptional abilities. By the age of 15, while most of her peers were navigating high school, Ntuli took on one of academia's most difficult challenges - before she could even vote, drink or drive. In the original story published by News24, Ntuli said: 'When I was in Grade 3, I mistakenly wrote a Grade 4 mathematics paper and scored the highest of all the actual Grade 4 students. My teacher identified this and allowed me to write more Grade 4 papers and saw that I performed exceptionally well.' READ | She's only 17 and just completed her actuarial science degree: Meet Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli Responding to the story among the waves of cheers from News24 readers and social media audiences, some couldn't help but mix awe with humour. From sharing quirky self-reflections about their own 17-year-old selves to cracking jokes about Ntuli's academic prowess, the reactions have been as entertaining as they are celebratory. On News24's Instagram post, @ joked: 'Please delete, worried my mother will see,' becoming the most liked comment. Then, @Definitely_not_thabang added: 'I just know her cousins are fighting for their lives rn [right now].' Meanwhile, @ shared the celebratory energy with a side of caution, saying: 'I love to see black girls winning (I hope my parents don't see this).' News24 readers also shared their heartfelt congratulations and encouragement in the story's comments sections. One such comment by user R.N. 87 read: 'Really well done, actuarial science is an extremely difficult degree. I know people who had straight 10As in matric and a 90% in maths drop down to business science due to the difficulty of actuarial science. Furthermore, given your humble background, it makes this achievement all the more impressive. Your parents, friends, and family must be so proud.' Another reader, Shirleyg, praised Ntuli as an example of determination: 'How awesome! A wonderful example to others of what can be achieved if you are determined to rise above your adversities.' I just know she inhaled high school. Leaving it at 14? Damn she didn't see it for nothing. Insane IQ 🔥🔥🔥🔥 — Lady Harlot of House Harlots (@Iyaya_S) May 29, 2025 Over on X (formerly known as Twitter), the mix of humour and admiration continued to flow. User @broztitute jokingly lamented: 'Achievement so remarkable it ruined my day, bruh.' @Linda_mot acknowledged Ntuli's unique gift with the comment: 'A vocation such as actuarial science is one gift. You cannot hard work yourself into that degree.' Through all the jokes and heartfelt wishes, one thing is clear: Ntuli's achievement has resonated with people across the country as an inspiring story of perseverance, brilliance, and consistent belief in one's potential.
