Meet Iminathi Dondolo, a young woman balancing two extraordinary roles: reigning Miss Teenager South Africa 2023/2024 and dedicated Teneo Online School learner. At just 18 years old, she’s not only representing South Africa’s youth but also thriving academically, thanks to the flexibility and support offered by Teneo's online learning model.

A journey of passion and purpose

Iminathi’s journey with Teneo began in 2023 when her commitments as a rising public figure grew, and she needed a flexible schooling option. “I first started at Teneo because I wanted something that would help me be flexible in my day-to-day,” she explains. 

Traditional schooling made it difficult to manage the demands of being Miss Teenager South Africa, but Teneo offered the perfect solution, allowing Iminathi to pursue both her academic and personal passions without compromise.

The flexibility of online education

With appearances, interviews, and public engagements like the high-profile Miss South Africa pageant filling her calendar, Iminathi relies on Teneo’s unique flexibility to stay on track academically. Unlike traditional schools, where strict attendance is the norm, Teneo allows learners like Iminathi to adapt their schedules and catch up later with recorded lessons. School can be accessed from any location, including most assessments and exams, which facilitates travel and sudden personal schedule changes, while a variety of formats offer live online classes, pre-recorded lessons or a mix of both. Importantly, all lessons are recorded and available to be rewatched at any time. This flexibility is crucial for Iminathi.

“I’ve missed classes for interviews and events, but I never fall behind because I can always go back and watch the recorded lessons,” she says. It’s this freedom that helps her succeed both in the classroom and on stage.

The importance of discipline

While the flexibility of online schooling is invaluable, Iminathi admits that it comes with the need for personal responsibility. “You need to be very disciplined because you don’t have a teacher running after you,” she shares. But with Teneo’s responsive and supportive teachers, she’s able to balance her studies while also pursuing her dreams.

“When we heard that Iminathi had won Miss Teenager South Africa, we were over the moon! Seeing her balance such a prestigious role as reigning Queen, with her academic responsibilities is inspiring. We’re here to support her every step of the way as she continues to pursue her dreams, and help her achieve academic and extracurricular success,” says Ryan Inkley, Key Stage Leader at Teneo.

Pursuing academic excellence

In addition to balancing her public duties, Iminathi is focused on her academic success. She’s currently pursuing the Pearson Edexcel curriculum and will sit for her AS-level finals next year. “It’s a very good curriculum because it prepares you for university-level work early on,” she explains.

The real-world experience she’s gained from Teneo has also taught her invaluable skills such as time management and independence—qualities that will serve her well when she transitions to university and beyond. “Teneo has taught me to be independent and manage my time effectively, which is crucial for the career I want to pursue in law,” says Iminathi.

A platform for giving back

Beyond the crown and classroom, Iminathi remains committed to making a difference in her community.

She recently dedicated 67 minutes of her time to community service as part of a Mandela Day initiative, participating in a blanket and soup drive distributing essentials to those in need, and plans to start a nonprofit organisation to support the homeless with clothes and food.

“The Miss Teenager South Africa platform is a powerful tool to inspire positive change,” she notes, demonstrating her passion for helping others while excelling in her personal and academic life.

Advice for fellow learners

Balancing schoolwork with extracurriculars can be challenging, but Iminathi believes that with the right support, you don’t have to choose one over the other. “If you don’t want to choose between your career and school, consider an online school like Teneo that supports both your academic and personal goals.”

Looking forward to the future

As Iminathi continues her reign as Miss Teenager South Africa, she is determined to continue excelling in and out of the classroom. Her story is an inspiring example of how, with the right tools and support, learners can balance their passions and academic goals. 

If you’d like to know how our flexible, supportive online schooling model can help your child unlock their potential, get in touch with us today.