Education is an important part of our lives, but it does not guarantee us the luxury of owning multiple homes, a fleet of cars and tons of money. Even though it may not give us any guarantees, education is still a safer option for many people around the world.
While some people with many qualifications may be struggling to secure employment, some people have managed to rise against the odds, built careers, making millions of rands without a grade 12 qualification.
Whether you choose the academic route or drop out of school to follow your passion, you will have to give your best in whatever you choose to realise your dreams or get closer to realising them.
Below are five mzansi celebrities who dropped out of high school to pursue their passion and went on to make millions of rands, proving that hard work pays off.
Cassper Nyovest – born Refiloe Phoolo, the singer rumoured to be engaged dropped out of grade 10. With a mother who is a teacher, it could not have been easy for Cassper to disappoint his parents. The versatile singer and businessman knew that his success was imminent as he persevered and aggressively chased his dream later turning to be one of the most successful artists. Some of the Puma Kimi hit maker’s businesses include, Billiato, a premium liqueur, a Family Tree clothing apparel, a partnership in the Drip footwear and many other businesses.
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Prince Kaybee – the popular deejay is another successful artist who dropped out of grade 11. Originally from Free State’s Welkom, Kabelo Motsamai dropped out of school to pursue a deejaying career. Life was not all rosy for him as he later found himself in the streets of Bloemfontein with no food to eat before getting a deejaying slot at one of the night clubs. Today, the deejay does not only make us dance with his popular club hits, but he also owns multiple businesses and often has to sleep late and wake up early, working hard for every cent he makes.
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Charlize Theron – born in Benoni, the multi award-winning actress and producer moved to the United States of America when she was a teenager, she later was recruited for modelling and later became a ballerina after developing love for the art. Not having completed high school is not a major thing in the actor’s life. Today, Charlize is among the richest Hollywood A -listers, having featured in many international movies such as the Devil’s Advocate, Young Adult, The Old Guard and many more.
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Somizi Mhlongo – media mogul Somizi Mhlongo is a true definition of multi-talented. Having been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years Somizi is living proof that success is not in the form of a matric certificate, diploma or a degree. Born of talented parents, it is no surprise that the father of one excels in television, radio, business and choreography. Somizi’s work includes a daily segment at Metro FM’s Ask A Man, he is also a resident judge at The Masked Singer SA, a reality TV star, he also owns Sompire Kids Clothing and many more.
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DJ Maphorisa – is one of the amapiano pioneers who has opened doors for many artists. The deejay whose real name is Themba Sekowe is another high school dropout who has also worked super hard to earn his place as a top producer and deejay in the country. Popular both locally and internationally, Phori has given a platform to artists such as Mlindo the Vocalist, Tyler ICU, Mawhoo, Young Stunna, Daliwonga, Musa Keys, Sir Thrill and many. He is said to have dropped out of grade 11.
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