Wandile and Wanele Ganya are not just twins, they are also both medical doctors who graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2015. Their story is one of resilience, perseverance and determination to overcome the odds that were stacked against them.
The Ganya twins grew up in Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town, where they faced many challenges such as poverty, crime and poor education. Their mother, Sylvia, worked as a domestic worker and supported six children on her meagre income. Their father was absent for most of their lives.
Despite these hardships, the twins excelled academically and developed a passion for science and medicine. They attended the Centre of Science and Technology, a school that offers quality education to disadvantaged learners. They also received scholarships from the Student Sponsorship Programme, which enabled them to pursue their dream of becoming doctors.
The twins enrolled at Stellenbosch University in 2010 and faced a new set of challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences and academic pressure. They had to adapt to a different environment and learn Afrikaans, the main language of instruction at the university. They also had to cope with the stigma and stereotypes that some people had about township students.
However, the twins did not let these obstacles deter them from their goal. They worked hard, studied together and supported each other throughout their studies. They also received mentorship and guidance from the university’s Rector’s Award Programme, which recognises students who excel in the face of adversity.
The twins graduated with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees respectively in December 2015, becoming the first people in their family to obtain university qualifications. They were also among the top performers in their class and received several awards for their academic achievements.
The twins’ success was celebrated by their family, friends, community and the media. They became role models and sources of inspiration for many young people who aspire to follow in their footsteps. They also expressed their gratitude to their mother, who sacrificed a lot for them and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
The twins’ journey did not end there. They continued with their medical training at Ngwelezana Hospital in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, where they completed their internships and community service. They also pursued further studies in different fields of medicine. Wandile specialised in psychiatry and Wanele specialised in anaesthesiology.
The twins also explored their other talents and interests outside medicine. Wandile published a poetry collection titled “A Dark Wood” in 2017, which he dedicated to his twin brother. Wanele became involved in music production and entrepreneurship.
The twins’ story is not only remarkable but also relevant in South Africa, where many young people face similar challenges that the twins overcame. Their story shows that with hard work, dedication and support, anything is possible.
The twins’ story also highlights the importance of improving access to quality education and health care for all South Africans, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their story shows that investing in human potential can yield positive outcomes for individuals and society.
The twins’ story is one that deserves to be celebrated and shared with the world.
Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that use cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. They have gained popularity in recent years as alternatives to traditional currencies, especially in countries with unstable economies or strict capital controls. One of the most successful cryptocurrencies in the world is Populous PPT, which was created by Nigerian twins Sam and Steve Williams in their mum’s kitchen in London.
Sam and Steve Williams are the sons of Nigerian parents who migrated to the UK in the 1970s. They grew up in a tough neighbourhood in south London, where they were exposed to gang violence and crime. Steve even served time for fraud in 2006, which he later regretted and vowed to change his life. The twins had a passion for business and technology, and they studied advanced business and computer programming at Crofton Comprehensive School in Lewisham.
After trying various ventures, such as a magazine called Tramp and researching financial markets, they decided to enter the cryptocurrency space in 2013. They spent four years working on their project in their mum’s kitchen, where Sam had to sleep on the couch due to lack of space. They lived with their mother, a chef, their father, an accountant and their sister. Read more about Sam and Steve here.