{
  "id": 9345458,
  "title": "South African pupils can learn from those who studied without electricity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/south-african-pupils-can-learn-from-those-who-studied-without",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T14:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/thepost/opinion/2026-09-23-south-african-pupils-can-learn-from-those-who-studied-without-electricity/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 2026 National Senior Certificate written examinations in South Africa commence on October 13, marking the start of a challenging period for pupils and university students alike. While modern students face late nights, nervousness, and self-doubt, they also have access to smartphones, TikTok, and YouTube tutorials for assistance during exam preparation. The reporter, who faced similar challenges in their youth during the apartheid era, recalls studying under streetlights in a condemned home due to a lack of electricity. Despite the difficult circumstances, the students persevered, studying under streetlights, walking to the university grounds, and even indulging in monkey-balls snacks to keep their spirits up. Even with the added advantages of modern technology and resources, the reporter emphasizes that determination, community support, and a belief in the power of education are the most important factors for success. They encourage students to use what they have, study consistently, review past examination papers, learn from their mistakes, seek help from teachers, and study with friends while maintaining focus on individual learning.",
  "summary": "As South African pupils prepare for exams, Jerald Vedan recalls studying beneath streetlights in Mayville — and the determination that helped earlier generations pursue education against the odds.",
  "key_points": [
    "2026 National Senior Certificate exams start Oct 13",
    "Reporter studied under streetlights in apartheid era",
    "Success factors: determination, community, education"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/south-african-house-party-shooting-kills-11-injures-three",
        "published": "2026-09-23T13:07:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CBS News",
        "title": "Trump's plan to bring White South African migrants projected to cost taxpayers $500 million",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/trumps-plan-to-bring-white-south-african-migrants-projected-to-cost",
        "published": "2026-09-23T13:55:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "From amapiano to pap: Scorpion Kings celebrate South African heritage through food",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/from-amapiano-to-pap-scorpion-kings-celebrate-south-african-heritage",
        "published": "2026-09-23T14:06:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}