From family tragedy to academic triumph: Ethan Govender earns top honours and scholarship
FOR 17-year-old Ethan Aidan Govender, being named Dux of Crystal Point Secondary School in 2025 is more than an academic triumph, it is the fulfilment of a deeply emotional family journey spanning nearly four decades.
Adding to this milestone, Ethan has been awarded a full scholarship to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), where he will study towards a Bachelor of science in computer science.
Ethan achieved six distinctions and one B, earning him the Dux Award, as well as recognition as the top achiever in life sciences and top achiever in information technology. His final aggregate was an impressive 87%.
“I achieved six distinctions for English, information technology (IT), maths, life sciences, life orientation and physical science. I am most proud of my IT distinction because computers have always been my passion. I enjoy problem-solving, coding, and understanding how technology works, so it felt rewarding to do well in a subject I genuinely love.”
He admitted that life sciences was the most surprising distinction.
“It was challenging and required a lot of content learning, but the hard work paid off. Staying calm and consistent made the biggest difference. I did not panic close to the exams and focused on steady revision instead of last-minute cramming.”
Behind Ethan’s success lies a powerful family story that makes his achievement even more meaningful.
His grandparents were overwhelmed as they watched their only grandson reach this historic moment.
Thirty-seven years ago, they were denied the opportunity to witness their late son, Poobalan Christy Pillay, graduate after he tragically lost his life in an accident while returning home from his matric farewell. He passed away before receiving his results.
“I never met my uncle, but he was my mum’s only brother. He attended Lenarea Secondary School and passed away before getting his matric results. My results meant a lot to me. It reminded me not to take the opportunity lightly and it motivated me to work harder, knowing how important this milestone was. I feel I was carrying the hopes of my family as well.”
Ethan said time pressure was one of his biggest challenges.
“The hardest part was that time always felt limited, especially balancing schoolwork, revision, and pressure. I pushed through by planning my time better and reminding myself to stay focused on the end goal.”
He credits his support system for helping him overcome self-doubt.
“What helped me was having a strong support system – my family, friends and teachers – who encouraged me and believed in me even when I doubted myself. I handle pressure by staying calm, taking things one step at a time, and focusing on what I can control.”
Ethan said he was excited about his future at Wits.
“I chose this degree because technology and computing are my passion, and I want to build a future in a field that is constantly evolving and impactful.”
His mother, Sharan Govender, a unit manager at a private hospital, described the emotional weight of the achievement for the family.
“I feel scared and anxious with Ethan being the same age and he is the only grandson. Ethan has actually started to resemble my brother in so many ways, which makes it even harder,” she said.
“My dad’s one wish has always been to see his grandson finish matric and graduate, and I am so happy that he got to witness this. My mum also had her anxieties about Ethan being the same age, and he is the apple of her eye. I guess we all try to hide our anxieties. I am extremely proud of him. I myself am an A-student, always striving to be top even in my career, so my heart is overjoyed at my child following in my footsteps,” said Govender.