From KaMhlushwa to Wits Medicine
Princess Ngobeni’s Journey of Purpose and Determination
When Princess Banele Ngobeni speaks about her future, she does so with quiet certainty.
A 2025 matriculant from KaMaqhekeza (Naas) in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, Princess achieved an outstanding average of 87.7% and has been accepted to study Medicine (MBBCh) at the University of the Witwatersrand.
She was part of the Star Schools STEM Incubator Programme at our KaMhlushwa site – and today, she stands as one of its proud success stories.
Her achievement is about much more than good marks. It is about motivation, perseverance, and the ability to keep sight of your purpose despite life’s challenges.
“I get my motivation from my fear of poverty,” Princess says honestly. “I did not wish that life for myself. Growing up, many people did not believe in me – they thought I would never make it because I was too closed off and shy. Proving them wrong became my other motivation.”
Princess comes from a large family of eight girls and is the youngest of her household. She has been a top achiever since primary school, served on her school’s Representative Council of Learners, and describes academics as both her hobby and her sport.
Her love for learning was never accidental.
Her dream is not simply to become a doctor, but, in her words, to become “a Hippocratic doctor”, one guided by integrity, compassion, and true service.
Princess’s advice to future matriculants and STEM Incubator learners is practical and clear:
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- Never give up – even when you cannot see the finish line
- Know your “WHY”
- Be consistent
- Use past exam papers
- Ask for help
- Do not procrastinate
She adds:
“If you have the privilege of being part of the Star Schools programme, don’t take it for granted. Use the resources and tutors provided. Trust me – you’ll go far.”
Her story reminds us why the STEM Incubator Programme exists: to ensure that talent in under-resourced communities is not limited by circumstance.
From KaMhlushwa to Wits Medicine: this is what the right access, support, and determination can achieve.
Princess, we are incredibly proud of you. You are an inspiration to us all.