Gugu Nyathi

Grade Level: Grade 12

Recent Achievements:

- Director College House play
- 1st team Uplands College netball
- Boarding house mentor 2011
- Shortlisted for school mentor
- Choir
- Selected to the Mpumalanga Province-wide girls netball team

Gugu is known around campus for her delightful smile and eagerness to try new subjects and activities. She is an excellent student who enjoys every aspect of her life at Uplands - especially making new friends.

Gugu was born in the Hazyview area. She attended primary school at King’s School and has one younger brother in primary school there. Like all of the KLM scholars, Gugu is committed to her family and community. Gugu maintains a close relationship with her mother and works hard to make her proud.

For her matriculation courses, Gugu has chosen to study biology, business studies, and dramatic arts. These courses will allow Gugu to explore her varied interest in environmental issues, entrepreneurship, and media. Like many students her age, Gugu’s long-term goals change as she becomes exposed to new areas through her coursework. She has always had an interest in becoming a doctor, but after her introduction to dramatic arts, she is now also considering a career in the film industry. She is passionate about dramatic arts because of the emphasis on freedom of expression.

If you are looking for Gugu outside of the classroom, you will find her on the netball courts. Gugu is passionate about the sport and a standout player. She recently competed in tryouts for the province-wide netball team and made it to the final round—a significant achievement for a netball player only in Grade 10. Netball also provides an opportunity for Gugu to further develop her leadership skills. She is currently one of the captains of the Ages 16-18 first team.

Over the course of the term, Gugu plans to become more involved with the Uplands Interact Club, a division of Rotary International and a community service program in which Uplands students work with children in a local orphanage. She plans to spend more time working with her assigned child beyond the Uplands community service requirements, including spending time at the orphanage on weekends.

Gugu loves everything about her life in the boarding house. She has the chance to interact with friends and build relationships with other students who have different interests and personalities. You can always find Gugu laughing, smiling, and making conversation with her fellow students.