Moningwa Hazel Ntuli, a 17-year-old prodigy, has been making waves on social media after completing her Actuarial Science degree at the University of Pretoria.
In a heartfelt video shared on TikTok, Hazel shared her inspiring story, revealing why she chose to pursue this challenging field and what motivated her to stay focused.
@univofpretoria #UPGraduation2025 : At 17, Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli is graduating with a degree in Actuarial Science from UP. Her journey is one of accelerated schooling, faith and a dream to uplift her family. For more information, please visit www.up.ac.za and go to the news section. #UPStudents #MakeTodayMatter #ProudlyUP #StudentLife #TikTokSouthAfricaUPExcellenceWearsACap #UPGraduation2025 #UniversityOfPretoria #UniversityOfPretoriaStudent #University #Uni #UniStudent #Tuks #TuksStudent #ProudlyUP #sama28 #fypシ #TikTokSA ♬ original sound – University of Pretoria
Hazel expressed her passion for Actuarial Science, citing the field’s unique blend of mathematics and problem-solving as a major draw. She also spoke about the support she received from the University of Pretoria, which played a significant role in her decision to study there. The institution’s financial assistance and mentorship programs helped her navigate the challenges of the program.
Hazel praised the University of Pretoria for providing her with a nurturing environment that allowed her to thrive. She spoke highly of her lecturers and peers, who offered her love, support, and guidance throughout her academic journey. The university also empowered her by taking her to seminars with inspirational people, broadening her horizons and motivating her to reach her full potential.
For Hazel, the driving force behind her success was her desire to make her family proud and prove that dreams are achievable, even for girls from humble backgrounds like Rosettenville. She spoke calmly and confidently about her aspirations, leaving many in awe of her brilliance and maturity.
Currently pursuing her Honours Actuarial Science degree, Hazel has no plans to stop anytime soon. She hopes to pursue a Master’s degree and is open to any job opportunities that may come her way. Her determination and focus have earned her admiration from many, who see her as a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
Social media users were emotional, impressed, and speechless after watching Hazel’s video. Many couldn’t believe that she had completed one of the most challenging degrees before turning 18. Others were captivated by her maturity, eloquence, and focus, predicting that she was born for greatness. Some even compared her to the fictional character Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, wishing to see her succeed in the years to come.
One wrote: “Thee most inspirational, impactful and beautiful thing I have ever seen on the internet. Damn black female excellence at its finest.”
One said, ”I hope the dinosaurs don’t chow this girl mentally in the workplace. These old people are too damn jealous of young successful women.”
One user asked: “Congratulations, but can you plug us how you started school at that young age? I feel robbed, but I wanna know for my kids.”
