Rishen Krishna Moodley's journey from high school to university illustrates the potential unlocked through dedication and support.
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In 2016, South Africa’s education debate revolved around a critical question: who gets access? Fast forward ten years, and the students who entered the educational system during this transformative period are now grappling with a new enigma: what happens after matriculation? For many, gaining university acceptance is just the beginning. The true challenge lies in adapting to independence, maintaining academic performance, and ultimately transforming opportunity into lasting success.
This reality forms the heart of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation’s 10-year milestone campaign, which aims to amplify the voices of young South Africans navigating life beyond school and into their careers. One of these voices is Rishen Krishna Moodley, a shining example of how access to education can unleash potential when combined with discipline and resilience.
Hailing from Durban, Moodley is currently in his third year of studying Actuarial Science at the University of Cape Town. A high achiever who finished top of his class at Curro Heritage House, his matriculation results were not just numbers — they were a representation of his hard work and determination. “When I finally saw my results, the biggest feeling was relief that the hard work had paid off,” he recalls. “It felt like a turning point. The late nights, the discipline, and the support I had all came together. It felt like the start of the next chapter.”
Financial pressures nearly threatened his academic aspirations, but support from the Ruta Sechaba Foundation eased that burden, allowing him to focus entirely on his studies. “The foundation gave me a platform to concentrate on my academics without worrying about school fees," he explains, “That support led me to meet the admission requirements for my degree and continue striving for excellence.”
The transition from the comfort of his home in Durban to the bustling life of Cape Town proved to be a significant personal challenge. “What surprised me most after matric was how quickly responsibility shifts onto you,” he says, noting that university life comes with a lack of the structure he had grown accustomed to. “In high school, the framework is provided for you. After matric, that structure disappears, and you're expected to manage everything yourself.”
For Moodley, the first 100 days of university were characterised by adjustment. “The hardest part was adapting to the intensity and pace of university while managing everything independently,” he explains. His experience challenges common assumptions about top achievers. “Top achievers are not inherently born smart. We simply provide a level of commitment that allows us to achieve the best outcomes.”
He also contends that achieving academic excellence does not necessitate sacrificing personal balance. “I have a social life and make time for spiritual and physical fulfilment. The key is routine,” he shares. This routine was put to the test during a challenging second year when deadlines coincided with his responsibilities as a tutor. “I had tests, assignments, and students needing my support. It felt like there wasn’t enough time.”
To cope, Moodley focused on breaking tasks down into manageable parts and prioritising them. “Instead of trying to do everything at once, I concentrated on doing the next thing well." Now in his third year, he hopes to be remembered not just for his academic success, but for his hard work and resilience, with aspirations of mentoring others as he was supported through his journey. “Routine is key. It doesn’t have to be complicated; even a small checklist for the day can make all the difference.”
Natasha Mkhize, Executive for Strategic Relations for Curro Holdings and the Ruta Sechaba Foundation, commends Moodley as a prime example of the spirit of excellence the foundation aims to nurture. “Rishen is an outstanding young man who combines achievement with reflection. He constantly asks what can be improved and strives to do better than yesterday. That mindset is the mark of true excellence.”
Moodley’s trajectory from Durban to one of the country’s top universities serves as a reminder that remarkable futures are accessible to all. With talent, dedication, and the right support, excellence can be cultivated from anywhere. As the Ruta Sechaba Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, donors, partners, and prospective applicants are encouraged to explore its initiatives and opportunities by visiting rutasechaba.org.
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