At just 17, South Africa’s Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli completes actuarial science degree

Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli from South Africa has made history. She is one of the youngest graduates from the University of Pretoria. Ntuli earned her degree in Actuarial Science at just 17 years old. Most of her peers were still in high school when she graduated.

Ntuli is originally from Rosettenville, Johannesburg. She started university in 2022 after advancing quickly through school. The University of Pretoria announced her achievement on May 28, ahead of her graduation.

Her academic talents were recognized early on. “In Grade 3, I wrote a Grade 4 math paper,” she said. “I scored the highest among actual Grade 4 students.” Her teacher noticed and allowed her to take more advanced papers.

By 2022, Ntuli was enrolled at the University of Pretoria. However, being younger than her classmates posed challenges. “Many students treated me like their little sister,” she explained. “There were many expectations, which became difficult to meet.”

Despite these challenges, Ntuli succeeded with support from others. This included lecturers, friends, and mentors like her house mother Zamile and departmental mentor Refilwe Lehobo. She also received help from the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Merit Awards team.

“I reminded myself why I started,” she said. “Having strong reasons kept me focused.” She used multiple vision boards and prayer to stay on track.

Ntuli is now the first in her family to graduate from university. “My parents will have bragging rights,” she said proudly. “This will ease a lot of pressure on my family.”

Currently, she is pursuing an honours degree and plans to continue studying. “I want to work while furthering my studies,” she stated confidently. “An MBA has always been my goal.”

Looking ahead, Ntuli hopes to qualify as an actuary and enter business. She offers advice for young people: “Be teachable; you don’t know everything.”

“Learn how to fail forward,” she continued. “Mix your losses with perseverance and grit.” She encourages others to be open-minded when facing challenges and ready to learn.