Parent livid as KZN top matriculant gets robbed of ‘deserving’ bursary

by Sergio Miller

The father of one of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s top matriculants has expressed utter disappointment after his son was ignored the chance to reap the rewards of his academic efforts. 

After placing second nationally and third in his home province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Jaskaran Moopanaar Rajaruthnam a former learner from Westville Boys High School in Durban, was recently among some of KZN’s top matriculants of 2023 – earning a whopping eight distinctions. 

The 18-year-old recently attended a prize-giving ceremony hosted by KZN education MEC Mbali Frazer, where he along with several others were honoured for their achievements. 

Speaking at the event, the MC told those in attendance that learners placed in the top 10 will each receive a R10 000 from Sasol, it was then further highlighted that those who find themselves a place in the top two will receive a bursary from Sasol. 

With Jaskaran being placed second, he automatically assumed that he would claim his incentives once he got onto the stage to collect his award – only to find that the Department of Education had awarded the bursary to the learner placed in third position, from Sidelile High School, with no justification. 

Both Jaskaran and his father Dr Diren Rajaruthnam were left deeply disappointed. 

In a conversation with news and entertainment publication IOL, the shattered father described the situation as being disgusting, claiming that his son had been victimised because of his race. 

“It is disgusting when children are victimised based on their race. This also gives an insight into the manipulation behind the scenes. My son was disappointed that he was turned away when he went to collect his incentive as he had performed exceptionally and was deserving of the bursary.” 

Further expressing his frustration, he added: “Some children have to work so much harder but are still side-lined, even though they prove themselves. Children get depressed due to a system that is skewed against them and that is a reality which has come to the fore, during this incident.” 

On media enquiry, a Sasol spokesperson revealed they were present at the ceremony but explained that it was the Education Department responsible for issuing incentives. 

Meanwhile, the department itself has encouraged the parents of the learner to come forth to gain clarity on the situation. 

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